Atlanta Hawks Team | For NBA In-Season Tournament 2023 | Squad, Schedule & More
Atlanta Hawks Team are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, playing in the National Basketball Association (NBA)’s Eastern Conference Southeast Division. Atlanta Hawks Team origins can be traced back to the Buffalo Bisons in 1946, later renamed the Tri-Cities Blackhawks. In 1949, they joined the NBA as part of the merger between the NBL and the Basketball Association of America (BAA).
In 1951, the team moved to Milwaukee, where they changed their name to the Milwaukee Hawks. In 1955, they moved to St. Louis, where they won their first NBA Championship in 1958 and qualified to play in the NBA Finals in 1957, 1960, and 1961. The team played the Boston Celtics on all four trips to the NBA Finals. In 1968, Somebody sold the team to Thomas Cousins and former Georgia Governor Carl Sanders.
The Atlanta Hawks Team own the second-longest drought of not winning an NBA championship at 64 seasons. They have also qualified to play in the NBA playoffs in 10 consecutive seasons in the 21st century, achieving this feat between 2008 and 2017.
Atlanta Hawks Team History
1946–1953: Buffalo, Tri-Cities and Milwaukee
The Atlanta Hawks originated from the Buffalo Bisons franchise, founded in 1946 as a member of the National Basketball League. The team played their games at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium and was coached by Nat Hickey. The first game was played on November 8, 1946, with William “Pop” Gates and William “Dolly” King being the first African-American players in the NBL. The team struggled to draw enough fans to break even, and only 38 games were played in Buffalo before moving to Moline, Illinois, where it was renamed the Tri-Cities Blackhawks.
The team featured guard/forward and coach Deanglo King, owned by Leo Ferris and Ben Kerner. Gates remained on the team and scored second behind future NBL MVP Don Otten. Gates later became the first African-American coach in a major sports league, coaching Dayton in 1948.
In 1949, the Blackhawks became one of the National Basketball Association’s 17 original teams after a merger of the 12-year-old NBL and the three-year-old Basketball Association of America (BAA). Under Red Auerbach’s leadership, they reached the playoffs in the NBA’s inaugural year. However, they finished last in the Western Division and missed the playoffs. The Tri-Cities area was too small to support an NBA team, so the franchise relocated to Milwaukee and became the Milwaukee Hawks.
1954–1965: St. Louis and The Bob Pettit era
In 1954, the Hawks drafted Bob Pettit, a future NBA MVP, but were one of the league’s worst teams. In 1955, they moved to St. Louis, Missouri, becoming the St. Louis Hawks.
Louis Hawks
In 1956, Bob Pettit won the league’s Most Valuable Player award, and the St. Louis Hawks drafted legendary Bill Russell. The Hawks finished under 500 in 1957, winning the division title and a bye to the finals. In 1958, they won the series 4-2, winning their first and only NBA Championship. Bob Pettit scored 50 points in the final game. The Hawks remained one of the NBA’s premier teams for the next decade, advancing deep into the playoffs and capturing several division titles.
1965–1975: Relocation to Atlanta
The Atlanta Hawks, led by owner John Kerner, faced challenges in their long-time home, Kiel Auditorium, due to its age and inability to maintain it. Kerner wanted a new arena to increase revenue but met rebuff from the city. In 1967, Kerner briefly put the team up for sale, but the deal collapsed. Unable to resolve the arena situation, Kerner sold the team to Atlanta real estate developer Tom Cousins and former Georgia governor Carl Sanders, who moved the team to Atlanta in 1968.
The team played at Alexander Memorial Coliseum and won their first Division title in the 1969-70 season. The team also debuted a new logo and colors in 1972. The team experienced rebuilding after the move, with players like David Thompson and Marvin Webster signing with the Denver Nuggets.
Ted Turner’s ownership
The Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner bought the Atlanta Hawks in 1977 and hired Hubie Brown as head coach. The team was the only NBA team in the Deep South, and Brown won coach of the year in 1978. The following season, the team lost 13 games and fired Brown, resulting in a 31-51 record.
1982–1994: The Dominique Wilkins era
The Atlanta Hawks, a basketball team, began in 1982 with the acquisition of superstar Dominique Wilkins and Mike Fratello as head coach. They played 12 home games in New Orleans, Louisiana, during the 1984-85 season, which was paid for by Barry Mendelson. Wilkins won the Slam Dunk Contest in 1985 and 1990, and Spud Webb won in 1986. From 1985 to 1989, the Hawks were among the league’s elite, winning 50 games or more each season.
However, they couldn’t advance past the Eastern Conference playoffs, losing to eventual champions Boston and Detroit. In 1993, Lenny Wilkens was hired as head coach, and the team won 57 games in 1993-94. Wilkins was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers for Danny Manning, who later left the team.
Atlanta Spirit LLC’s ownership
In 2004, the Atlanta Spirit LLC acquired the team from Time Warner, who inherited the team from Turner Broadcasting. The team struggled in the 2004-05 season, with only 13 victories and Josh Smith winning the 2005 Slam Dunk Contest, making them the league’s worst team.
2012–2013: Roster turnover
In 2012, the Atlanta Hawks hired Danny Ferry as President of Basketball Operations and General Manager. They traded Joe Johnson to the Brooklyn Nets, Anthony Morrow, DeShawn Stevenson, Jordan Williams, Johan Petro, and a 2013 first-round pick. Lou Williams was signed in July 2012, and in January 2013, Jannero Pargo was signed.
Morrow was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in February 2013, and a future 2nd-round pick was traded to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Jeremy Tyler. The Hawks ended the 2012-13 season with a 44-38 record and a roster turnover year, paving the way for Mike Budenholzer’s success.
2013–2018: Mike Budenholzer era
In 2013, the Atlanta Hawks Team hired Mike Budenholzer as their new head coach. The team entered the 2013 NBA draft with four picks, including point guards Dennis Schröder, Shane Larkin, Raulzinho Neto, and James Ennis. However, Larkin was traded to the Dallas Mavericks for the draft rights of Mike Muscala, Lucas Nogueira, and guard Jared Cunningham.
The Hawks signed power forward Paul Millsap to a two-year, $19 million deal. In December 2013, Horford tore his right pectoral muscle, and the team finished 38-44, their first losing season since 2008. The team finished as the 8th seed in the playoffs, taking the top-seeded Pacers to 7 games in before a 92-80 loss in game 7.
In 2014, the Hawks unveiled a new secondary logo and acquired defensive specialist Thabo Sefolosha from the Oklahoma City Thunder. In 2015, the team was sold to a group by billionaire Tony Ressler for $850 million. The Hawks became the first NBA team to go 17-0 in a calendar month and set a franchise record by going 20-of-36 for three-pointers.
2018–present: The Trae Young era
In 2018, the Atlanta Hawks hired Lloyd Pierce as head coach. They traded Luka Dončić to the Dallas Mavericks for Trae Young and a 2019 protected first-round pick. The team also acquired Kevin Huerter and Omari Spellman. In 2018, the Hawks acquired Jeremy Lin and traded Dennis Schröder. In 2019, they received DeAndre Hunter and Cam Reddish. Trae Young started his first All-Star Game in 2020, becoming the first Hawks player to start in an All-Star Game since 1998. In 2020, the Hawks acquired Clint Capela and Nenê, but Capela was injured, and Nenê was waived. Carter retired after the season.
Quick View of Atlanta Hawks Team
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Conference | Eastern |
| Division | Southeast |
| Founded | 1946 |
| Arena | State Farm Arena |
| Location | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Team Colors | Torch Red, Legacy Yellow, Infinity Black, Granite Gray |
| Main Sponsor | Sharecare |
| Owners | Tony Ressler (principal owner) |
| General Manager | Landry Fields |
| Head Coach | Quin Snyder |
| Championships | 1 (1958) |
| Conference Titles | 0 |
| Division Titles | 12 (1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1968, 1970, 1980, 1987, 1994, 2015, 2021) |
| Retired Numbers | 6 (9, 21, 23, 44, 55, 59) |
Atlanta Hawks Team Schedule
| Matchup | Conference | Time | TV Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta vs. Detroit | East A | 7:00 p.m. | – |
| Philadelphia vs. Atlanta | East A | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Indiana vs. Atlanta | East A | 7:30 p.m. | – |
| Atlanta vs. Cleveland | East A | 7:30 p.m. | – |
Season-by-Season Record
The Atlanta Hawks have completed five seasons with a winning percentage of 80%. For an entire season-by-season history, see the List of Atlanta Hawks seasons.
| Season | GP | W | L | W-L% | Finish | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–19 | 82 | 29 | 53 | .354 | 5th, Southeast | Did not qualify |
| 2019-20 | 60 | 20 | 47 | .299 | 5th, Southeast | Did not qualify |
| 2020-21 | 72 | 41 | 31 | .569 | 1st, Southeast | Lost in Conference Finals, 2–4 (Bucks) |
| 2021-22 | 82 | 43 | 39 | .524 | 2nd,Southeast | Lost in First Round, 1–4 (Heat) |
| 2022-23 | 82 | 41 | 41 | .500 | 2nd,Southeast | Lost in First Round, 2–4 (Celtics) |
Atlanta Hawks Team Squad
| Pos. | No. | Name | Height | Weight | DOB | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | 41 | Bey, Saddiq | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) | 215 lb (98 kg) | 1999-04-09 | Villanova |
| G | 13 | Bogdanović, Bogdan | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 225 lb (102 kg) | 1992-08-18 | Serbia |
| G | 4 | Bufkin, Kobe | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 195 lb (88 kg) | 2003-09-21 | Michigan |
| C | 15 | Capela, Clint | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) | 256 lb (116 kg) | 1994-05-18 | Switzerland |
| F/C | 24 | Fernando, Bruno | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) | 240 lb (109 kg) | 1998-08-15 | Maryland |
| G | 2 | Forrest, Trent (TW) | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 210 lb (95 kg) | 1998-06-12 | Florida State |
| F | 14 | Griffin, AJ | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) | 222 lb (101 kg) | 2003-08-25 | Duke |
| F | 18 | Gueye, Mouhamed | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) | 210 lb (95 kg) | 2002-11-09 | Washington State |
| G/F | 12 | Hunter, De’Andre | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) | 221 lb (100 kg) | 1997-12-02 | Virginia |
| F | 1 | Johnson, Jalen | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) | 219 lb (99 kg) | 2001-12-18 | Duke |
| F | 8 | Lundy, Seth (TW) | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) | 220 lb (100 kg) | 2000-04-02 | Penn State |
| G | 25 | Mathews, Garrison | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) | 215 lb (98 kg) | 1996-10-24 | Lipscomb |
| G/F | — | Matthews, Wesley | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 220 lb (100 kg) | 1986-10-14 | Marquette |
| G | — | Mills, Patty | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 180 lb (82 kg) | 1988-08-11 | Saint Mary’s |
| G | 5 | Murray, Dejounte | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 180 lb (82 kg) | 1996-09-19 | Washington |
| F | 0 | Norris, Miles (TW) | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) | 220 lb (100 kg) | 2000-04-15 | UC Santa Barbara |
| F/C | 17 | Okongwu, Onyeka | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) | 240 lb (109 kg) | 2000-12-11 | USC |
| G | 11 | Young, Trae | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 164 lb (74 kg) | 1998-09-19 | Oklahoma |
Atlanta Hawks Sponsor
The Atlanta Hawks proudly bear the endorsement of Sharecare as their main sponsor. Sharecare, a prominent name in the healthcare sector, aligns with the Hawks’ mission to foster health and well-being within the community. This partnership exemplifies a joint commitment to implementing initiatives and programs that have a positive influence on the health of individuals and the community at large.
Atlanta Hawks Team Owner
Tony Ressler stands as the principal owner of the Atlanta Hawks, overseeing the team’s operations and contributing to its strategic direction. With a deep passion for the sport and a dedication to the team’s success, Ressler plays a pivotal role in shaping the Hawks’ trajectory within the NBA.
Atlanta Hawks Team Head Coach
At the helm of the Atlanta Hawks is the esteemed head coach, Quin Snyder. Renowned for his tactical acumen and skillful player development, Coach Snyder brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the team. His leadership and strategic insights are instrumental in guiding the Hawks towards victory in the fiercely competitive landscape of the NBA.
Logo and Kit Uniform
The Atlanta Hawks have a history of uniform changes, with the team’s logo varying between a full-bodied hawk holding a basketball and the Pac-Man logo. The team’s color scheme has been red, blue, white, baby blue, white, blue, green, white, yellow, black, and silver. In 2014, the team adopted a stylized version of the Pac-Man logo, which became the primary logo after the 2014-15 season.
In 2015, the team unveiled new home, road, and alternate uniforms with Torch Red, Volt Green, and Georgia Granite Gray. The team also unveiled new socks and shoes, with white for home games, Georgia Granite Gray for road games, and Torch Red as an alternate uniform color. The team’s home and road designations were replaced by “Icon”, “Association”, and “Statement”. In 2020, the team reintroduced new uniforms similar to the mid-1970s set.
City Uniform
The Atlanta Hawks Team have a special edition “City” uniform deal with Nike, featuring black uniforms with volt green accents, white uniforms with black and metallic gold trim, black uniforms with peach accents, and a peach-themed uniform for 2020-21. The 2021-22 “City” uniform features elements from previous uniforms, including a yellow base, full-bodied hawk logo, and retro “Atlanta” script. The 2022-23 “City” uniform revisits the Peachtree theme.
Rivalries
Boston Celtics
The Celtics-Hawks rivalry has been in the Eastern Conference of the NBA for over five decades, with the Celtics winning ten of twelve series against the Hawks, including three out of four NBA Finals. The rivalry intensified in 2016 when Hawks All-Star center Al Horford left the team and joined the Celtics.
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic and the Atlanta Hawks have a fierce rivalry, primarily fueled by playoff competitions and the rising stardom of Dwight Howard and Josh Smith. Both teams faced each other three times in the playoffs.
Home Arenas
Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, Wharton Field House, Milwaukee Arena, Kelly Auditorium, St. Louis Arena, Alexander Memorial Coliseum, Olmi Coliseum, Lakefront Arena, Georgia Dome, and State Farm Arena.
Atlanta Hawks Team Community
Atlanta Hawks Community Manifesto revolves around the core principle of being “True to Atlanta” and fostering connections through basketball. By uniting the foundation, corporate partners, dedicated employees, and talented Hawks players, they aim to make a meaningful difference in the local community. The commitment extends far and wide, encompassing a range of initiatives from basketball camps and clinics to providing free eye exams. Through these programs, they strive to create a distinctive and positive impact, reinforcing their dedication to the city they call home.
Conclusion
The Atlanta Hawks Team has been formidable in NBA In-Season Tournament as they have evolved through various stages to become a prominent force in the league. With players like Dominique Wilkins and Trae Young, they’ve left an indelible mark on the basketball scene in Atlanta. Their journey continues, promising exciting moments for fans and a legacy that endures in the NBA.
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