The Atlanta Hawks 1955–56 were anchored by Bob Pettit, whose scoring and rebounding made him the team’s dominant all-around contributor. Jack McMahon provided secondary scoring and handled much of the playmaking responsibilities, while the supporting frontcourt added valuable rebounding and interior production. The statistics indicate a team that relied on its inside strength and balanced contributions, with Pettit serving as the clear focal point on both ends of the floor.
Here is the Atlanta Hawks 1955–56 roster and regular season player statistics. During this season, the team was known as the St. Louis Hawks, having relocated from Milwaukee.
As the focal point of the Hawks’ offense and rebound engine, Pettit led the team in both scoring and rebounding by a wide margin — essentially carrying St. Louis night after night. His inside-outside scoring and physical rebounding defined the team’s identity.
MVP-1, AS, NBA1
Chuck Share
Beta – defensive/rebounding backbone
27.4
Medium
13.6
10.8
1.8
4.4
15.3
As the team’s big man backing up Pettit, Share provided solid inside presence. His rebound and paint‑anchoring duties gave the Hawks a stable frontcourt complement, helping offset the offense-heavy load on Pettit.
Jack Coleman
Beta – supporting frontcourt
33.4 (when played)
Medium
11.7
8.4
3.6
5.4
14.3
When on the floor, Coleman contributed gritty two‑way work — scoring inside, chipping in a fair number of boards, and adding depth to the frontcourt rotation. Though his games played (41) were limited, his per‑game contributions when active were valuable.
Jack Stephens
Gamma – secondary wings/3‑D role
30.8
Medium‑Low
10.3
5.2
2.9
3.4
10.9
Provided wing depth and occasional playmaking, likely spotting up or helping ball‑movement rather than being a primary option. Useful as a role player in supporting minutes.
Bob Harrison
Gamma – secondary backcourt facilitator
30.8
Low
8.6
2.7
3.8
3.6
9.3
As a guard, Harrison was more orchestrator than scorer. He contributed decent assist numbers and provided guard‑like ball distribution when the main scorers rested, adding stability to the backcourt.
AS
Al Ferrari
Delta – bench wing/depth
23.7
Low
8.0
2.7
2.4
2.8
8.0
As a younger wing off the bench, Ferrari’s role was modest but useful — adding scoring and some versatility when starters rested. Likely a depth piece rather than a go-to option.
Frank Selvy
Delta – situational scorer/bench option
~26.1 (when played)
Low
11.0
3.2
2.1
~3.9
9.6
In limited games this season, Selvy showed scoring punch and could provide a spark off the bench. His per‑game numbers suggest the Hawks saw him as a potential scoring option when starters rested or matchups demanded.
Jack McMahon
Delta – backup guard/rotation depth
~22–23
Low
~7.2
~2.6
~3.0
~3.0
7.4
McMahon offered guard depth and ball‑handling when the starting backcourt needed rest. His production was limited but contributed to rotation stability and playmaking off the bench.
Alex Hannum
Delta – veteran frontcourt reserve / occasional dual role
~20.8
Low
~5.4
~4.8
~2.2
~3.8
7.2
As a veteran presence, Hannum contributed modest frontcourt depth. Given age and playing time, his value likely leaned toward experience, occasional jumpers or mid‑range shots, and floor leadership rather than high-impact production.
Chuck Cooper
Delta – bench forward/wing
~17.3
Low
~5.1
~3.9
~2.4
~2.0
6.7
A lower‑usage forward/wing, Cooper’s contributions were limited. He likely provided spot minutes, defensive assignments, and helped relieve starters — but wasn’t a core contributor.
Bob Schafer
Delta – reserve guard
~11–12
Low
~4.6
~1.4
~1.6
~1.5
4.6
A reserve guard with very limited minutes — likely used sparingly, perhaps as a change‑of‑pace or end-of-bench option, with minimal impact on the overall team rhythm.
Med Park
Delta – fringe rotation wing/forward
~10–11
Low
~3.8
~2.4
~1.8
~1.6
4.8
On the fringes of the rotation; his contributions were small, perhaps offering occasional relief minutes at wing or forward but not a stable part of the regular rotation.
Chris Harris
Delta – rarely-used reserve
~3–4
Very Low
~2.7–3.0
~1.2
~1.2
~1.1
2.7
Hardly used, likely a deep reserve. His impact was minimal and limited to occasional mop-up or garbage-time minutes.
