Last Updated on December 23, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

Here’s a list of Atlanta Hawks Legends, highlighting some of the most iconic players and contributors to one of the NBA’s oldest franchises:

Dominique Wilkins (“The Human Highlight Film”)

  • Position: Small Forward
  • Years Played: 1982–1994 (Hawks)
  • Achievements:
    • 9× NBA All-Star (8× with Hawks)
    • NBA Scoring Champion (1986)
    • All-NBA First Team (1986)
    • Hawks’ all-time leading scorer
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (2006)
  • Known for his electrifying dunks and scoring prowess, Wilkins is the face of the Hawks franchise.

Bob Pettit

  • Position: Power Forward
  • Years Played: 1954–1965 (St. Louis Hawks)
  • Achievements:
    • 2× NBA MVP (1956, 1959)
    • NBA Champion (1958)
    • 11× NBA All-Star
    • 10× All-NBA First Team
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (1971)
  • Pettit was one of the greatest players of the 1950s and 1960s, leading the Hawks to their only NBA title.

Dikembe Mutombo

  • Position: Center
  • Years Played: 1996–2001 (Hawks)
  • Achievements:
    • 4× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2× with Hawks)
    • 8× NBA All-Star (4× with Hawks)
    • Hall of Fame Inductee (2015)
  • Mutombo anchored the Hawks’ defense in the late 1990s with his shot-blocking and rebounding.

Lou Hudson

  • Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
  • Years Played: 1966–1977 (Hawks)
  • Achievements:
    • 6× NBA All-Star
    • Averaged over 20 points per game for seven consecutive seasons.
    • Hawks retired his jersey number (#23).
  • Hudson was a consistent scorer and key player for the Hawks during the 1960s and 1970s.

Joe Johnson

  • Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
  • Years Played: 2005–2012 (Hawks)
  • Achievements:
    • 7× NBA All-Star (6× with Hawks)
    • All-NBA Third Team (2010)
    • One of the top scorers in franchise history.
  • Johnson was the leader of the Hawks during their playoff runs in the late 2000s.

Al Horford

  • Position: Center / Power Forward
  • Years Played: 2007–2016 (Hawks)
  • Achievements:
    • 5× NBA All-Star (4× with Hawks)
    • Key player during the Hawks’ 60-win season (2014–2015).
  • Horford was a consistent presence in the Hawks’ frontcourt and one of the league’s best big men during his time.

Mookie Blaylock

  • Position: Point Guard
  • Years Played: 1992–1999 (Hawks)
  • Achievements:
    • NBA All-Star (1994)
    • 6× NBA All-Defensive Team
    • Hawks’ all-time leader in steals.
  • Blaylock was a defensive standout and floor general for the Hawks in the 1990s.

Kevin Willis

  • Position: Power Forward / Center
  • Years Played: 1984–1994 (Hawks)
  • Achievements:
    • NBA All-Star (1992)
    • Averaged a career-high 18.3 points and 15.5 rebounds in 1992.
  • Willis was a dominant rebounder and key frontcourt player for the Hawks.

Tree Rollins

  • Position: Center
  • Years Played: 1977–1988 (Hawks)
  • Achievements:
    • Hawks’ all-time leader in blocked shots.
  • Known for his defense and shot-blocking, Rollins was a key defensive presence for the Hawks.

Josh Smith

  • Position: Power Forward
  • Years Played: 2004–2013 (Hawks)
  • Achievements:
    • All-Defensive Second Team (2010)
    • Hawks’ all-time leader in blocked shots.
  • Smith was a versatile forward known for his athleticism and shot-blocking.

Paul Millsap

  • Position: Power Forward
  • Years Played: 2013–2017 (Hawks)
  • Achievements:
    • 4× NBA All-Star (all with Hawks)
    • Key player during the Hawks’ 60-win season in 2014–2015.
  • Millsap brought versatility and leadership to the Hawks during their mid-2010s playoff runs.

Other Notable Legends:

  • Spud Webb: Known for winning the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest at just 5’7″.
  • Doc Rivers: Played as a point guard for the Hawks from 1983–1991 and was a team leader.
  • Jeff Teague: 2015 NBA All-Star and starting point guard during the Hawks’ 60-win season.
  • Lenny Wilkens (Coach): Coached the Hawks from 1993–2000, Hall of Fame inductee.
  • Mike Budenholzer (Coach): Led the Hawks to a 60-win season in 2014–2015 and was named NBA Coach of the Year.

These legends helped define the Hawks’ identity through various eras, from the St. Louis Hawks’ championship years to the modern Atlanta Hawks.