Little Known Facts About the Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks are a team with passionate fans and rising stars like Trae Young. But there’s more to this franchise than meets the eye.

Let’s uncover some hidden gems of their history:

1. The Tri-Cities Blackhawks: The Hawks weren’t always in Atlanta. They started in 1946 as the Tri-Cities Blackhawks (Moline/Rock Island, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa).
2. Moving South to a New City: The Blackhawks moved to Milwaukee in 1951, then to St. Louis in 1955, where they won their only NBA championship in 1958.
3. Atlanta Bound: The Hawks finally settled in Atlanta in 1968, becoming a fixture in the Southern basketball scene.
4. Pistol Pete Maravich: “Pistol Pete” Maravich was a flashy, high-scoring guard who played for the Hawks in the 1970s, thrilling fans with his unique style.
5. Dominique Wilkins: The Human Highlight Film: Dominique Wilkins is a Hawks legend. His powerful dunks and scoring prowess made him a fan favorite in the 80s and 90s.
6. Dikembe Mutombo: Shot-Blocking Giant: Mutombo honed his signature finger wag and rim protection in Atlanta. He’s remembered as one of the greatest defensive players ever.
7. Spud Webb: Small but Mighty: At only 5’7″, Spud Webb was one of the shortest players in NBA history. He defied expectations with his athleticism and dunking ability.
8. Lenny Wilkens: Player and Coach: Lenny Wilkens was a star player for the Hawks, but also a successful head coach, leading them to the playoffs.
9. The Omni: An Iconic Arena: The Omni Coliseum hosted many memorable Hawks games, famous for its loud crowds and exciting atmosphere.
10. Mascots that Entertain: Harry the Hawk has been hyping up Hawks crowds for years! He’s now joined by Skyhawk, adding to the gameday fun.
11. State Farm Arena’s Transformation: The Hawks’ current home, State Farm Arena, underwent a massive renovation, giving fans a top-notch experience.
12. The Bob Rathbun Connection: Bob Rathbun’s voice is synonymous with Hawks basketball. His passionate commentary has been the soundtrack for generations of fans.
13. Community Ties Matter: The Hawks support the Atlanta community, focusing on education, health, and youth leadership programs.
14. Colors that Pop: The Hawks‘ red, white, and neon green jerseys stand out. The recent addition of neon green brought a unique flair to their look.
15. Building a New Era: With Trae Young and a talented young core, the Hawks are looking to reclaim their legacy as a playoff contender.

Did any of these facts surprise you? Let us know in the comments section below.