Who are the best Atlanta Hawks players of all time? A franchise first founded in Buffalo in 1946, they’ve been in Illinois, Milwaukee, St. Louis, finally settling in Atlanta in 1968.
Across the generations Hawks fans have witnessed some of the greatest high-flying dunkers and some of the most solid defenders ever. Here are the ten best Hawks players ever:
10. Paul Millsap
In just four seasons Paul Millsap became one of the best Atlanta Hawks players in history. We’re talking about a player who was an All-Star and made the playoffs in every season he played in Atlanta.
Millsap completely transformed the Hawks defense, and with averages of 17.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists during his time with the Hawks, went as deep as the Eastern Conference finals in 2015.
9. Moses Malone
Moses Malone only played three seasons in Atlanta but is still considered one of the Hawks greatests. We’re talking about a 12-time All-Star, a three-time MVP who was a nightmare for defenders and was a rebounding king.
An NBA champion with the 76ers in 1983, he couldn’t repeat the feat in Atlanta. Malone still threw up 16.5 points and 10 rebounds per game, below his career averages, but was still a nightmare for defenders as the greatest offensive rebounder in history.
8. Trae Young
Drafted by the Mavericks in 2018 the Hawks swapped Luka Doncic for Trae Young on a draft night trade and he instantly became the face of the franchise. In 2024 the star point guard earned a third time All-Star appearance.
Young’s ability to showcase his scoring and playmaking, his excellent court vision and ability to shoot from range helped transform the Hawks’ offensive, even leading the franchise to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021.
7. Al Horford
Al Horford, drafted by the Hawks in 2007 with the third overall pick, quickly established himself as the cornerstone of the franchise and had the ability to stretch the floor as well as protect the rim.
Known for his intelligence, versatility, and defensive skills, Horford earned four All-Star appearances while in Atlanta. The big Dominican averaged 14.3 points and 8.9 rebounds in nine seasons with the Hawks.
6. Joe Johnson
Why is Joe Johnson so underrated? This is a player with over 20,000 career points, over 5,000 rebounds and 5,000 assists. He also earned the nickname “Iso Joe” because of how good he was at isolation plays.
While at the Hawks he made six straight All-Star appearances during seven seasons in Atlanta. Add to that averages of 20.9 points, 5.2 assists and 4.2 rebounds. Give this man the respect he deserves.
5. Pete Maravich
Pete Maravich is the greatest scorer in NCAA Division I history which translated into the NBA when he was taken with the third pick in 1970. In four years in Atlanta he earned All-Star status twice and averaged 24.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5.6 assists.
Easily one of best Atlanta Hawks players of all time, Maravich had an electrifying style of play and incredible scoring ability. Known for his flashy passes and creative ball-handling, he’s considered to have one of the greatest handles ever.
4. Lou Hudson
Lou Hudson is considered one of the best Atlanta Hawks players of all time due to his prolific scoring and consistent performance across 11 seasons with the Hawks. with
His smooth jump shot and ability to drive to the basket made him a nightmare for defenders with averages of 22 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists at the franchise. A six-time All-Star, he played a crucial role in establishing the Hawks’ competitive identity.
3. Dikembe Mutombo
Defensive powerhouse Dikembe Mutombo is considered by many to be the greatest shot blockers ever. Across five seasons of an 18-year career the Congolese-born center earned three of his four Defensive Player of the Year Awards.
The eight-time All-Star posted ridiculous stat lines averaging 11.9 points, 12.6 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game. Dikembe’s presence in the paint no doubt transformed the Hawks’ defense during the late 90’s.
2. Bob Pettit
Before the Hawks moved to Atlanta in 1968, Bob Pettit was drafted by the Milwaukee Hawks in 1954, then moving to St. Louis the year after. The power forward/center spent his entire 11 year career with the Hawks, averaging 26.4 points, 16.2 rebounds.
A true pioneer of the game and one of the
first great big men in NBA history, Pettit was an All-Star in every season he played and missed the playoffs only once. In 1956 he became the first recipient of the NBA’s MVP Award and two years later won his first and only NBA championship.
1. Dominique Wilkins
Dominique Wilkins was drafted with the third pick of the NBA draft in 1982 and became one of the best Atlanta Hawks players of all time. “The Human Highlight Film” wowed NBA fans with his electrifying and acrobatic dunks, as well as becoming Atlanta’s scoring machine.
In twelve seasons with the Hawks, Wilkins averaged an impressive 26.4 points, 6.9 rebounds. In eight of those seasons Atlanta would make the playoffs, although only winning three series. Still, Wilkins helped build a generation of fans as he became the cornerstone of the franchise and the Hawks’ identity.
