19 Facts About Atlanta Hawks

Founding Year

The Atlanta Hawks were founded in 1946 as the Buffalo Bisons, making them one of the oldest teams in the NBA.

Relocation to Atlanta

In 1968, the team moved from St. Louis to Atlanta and became known as the Atlanta Hawks.

Home Arena

The Hawks currently play their home games at State Farm Arena, which has a seating capacity of over 18,000.

Dominant Decades

The team had successful decades in the 1950s and 1960s, reaching the NBA Finals four times during that period.

Retired Jersey Numbers

The Hawks have retired several jersey numbers, including those of legends like Dominique Wilkins (#21) and Pete Maravich (#44).

NBA Championship

The Hawks won their only NBA Championship in 1958, when they were still based in St. Louis.

Iconic Logo

The team’s logo features a hawk soaring through a basketball, representing the team’s strength and agility.

All-Star Players

The Hawks have had numerous players selected for the NBA All-Star Game, including Dominique Wilkins, Joe Johnson, and Al Horford.

Longest Playoff Streak

From 2008 to 2017, the Hawks made the playoffs a remarkable ten consecutive times, which stands as the longest playoff streak in franchise history.

Famous Rivalries

The Hawks have had notable rivalries with teams like the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat, resulting in intense and memorable matchups.

Hall of Famers

Several players who have played for the Hawks are now inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, including Dominique Wilkins, Pete Maravich, and Bob Pettit.

Team Colors

The Hawks’ official colors are red, white, and black, which represent power, passion, and dominance.

Team Mascot

The team’s mascot is a lively and energetic hawk named Harry the Hawk, who entertains fans during games with his acrobatic dunks and antics.

Notable Coaches

The Hawks have had successful coaches throughout their history, including Mike Budenholzer, who won the NBA Coach of the Year award in 2015.

Playoff Appearances

The Hawks have made the playoffs over 30 times in their history, showcasing their consistency and competitiveness.

Community Involvement

The Hawks are actively involved in various community outreach programs, aiming to make a positive impact in Atlanta and the surrounding areas.

Team Ownership

The team has been owned by several individuals and groups throughout the years, including media mogul Ted Turner.

International Players

The Hawks have had a diverse roster, with players from various countries around the world, contributing to the global nature of the NBA.

Dedicated Fanbase

The Atlanta Hawks have a passionate and dedicated fanbase known as the “6th Man,” who support the team with unwavering loyalty and enthusiasm.

These 19 facts about Atlanta Hawks demonstrate the team’s rich history, success, and impact on basketball culture. From their founding in 1946 to their current status as a formidable NBA franchise, the Atlanta Hawks continue to captivate fans and leave a lasting legacy in the world of professional basketball.

Conclusion

The Atlanta Hawks are a storied NBA franchise with a rich history. From their beginnings in St. Louis to their current home in Atlanta, the Hawks have been a staple of the league for over seven decades. With star players like Dominique Wilkins, Bob Pettit, and Joe Johnson, the team has left an indelible mark on the sport of basketball. Their dedicated fanbase and commitment to excellence have made them a perennial contender in the Eastern Conference. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting to follow the team, there’s no doubt that the Atlanta Hawks are a team to watch for years to come.

FAQs

1. When were the Atlanta Hawks founded?
The Atlanta Hawks were founded in 1946 as the Buffalo Bisons. They later became the Tri-Cities Blackhawks before finally relocating to Atlanta in 1968.

2. How many NBA championships have the Atlanta Hawks won?
The Atlanta Hawks have won one NBA championship in their history. They took home the title in 1958 when they were still based in St. Louis.

3. Who is the all-time leading scorer for the Atlanta Hawks?
Dominique Wilkins holds the title of the all-time leading scorer for the Atlanta Hawks. He played for the team from 1982 to 1994 and amassed a total of 23,292 points during his career.

4. Which arena do the Atlanta Hawks call home?
The Atlanta Hawks play their home games at the State Farm Arena, located in downtown Atlanta. The arena has a seating capacity of over 16,000 for basketball games.

5. Who is the current head coach of the Atlanta Hawks?
As of 2021, Nate McMillan is the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks. He took over the role after Lloyd Pierce was relieved of his duties during the 2020-2021 season.