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Hawks All-Time Starting Five

By Cole Henderson

10 May 1996: Guard Steve Smith of the Atlanta Hawks stands on the court during a game against the Orlando Magic at the Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida. The Magic won the game 120-94. Mandatory Credit: Allsport /Allsport
10 May 1996: Guard Steve Smith of the Atlanta Hawks stands on the court during a game against the Orlando Magic at the Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida. The Magic won the game 120-94. Mandatory Credit: Allsport /Allsport /
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There’s a theory that says if you have great players you’ll win championships but for us Atlanta sports that hasn’t proven to be the case. Nevertheless, we have seen some great athletes wearing our hometown jerseys. For example, here is my selection for the All-Time starting five in Hawks history.

Point Guard: Pete “Pistol” Maravich

Pete Maravich is one of the greatest players to ever play basketball. For the Hawks, he averaged 24.3 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game. Maravich was an outstanding player in Atlanta who had his jersey retired during the 2016-2017 season. In 1987, he was elected to the Hall Of Fame.

The 5-time All-Star is known for being an outstanding passer and scorer. 1977 was one of Maravich’s best season while being an All-Star, NBA Scoring Champion, and voted to the NBA First-Team. Although He never won a title, his legacy will live on throughout Atlanta and the rest of the NBA.

Shooting Guard: Steve Smith

Steve Smith played for the Hawks from 1994-1999. During this time, he was at the peak of his career averaging 18.6 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game during his 5 seasons in Atlanta.

Smith was voted to his only All-Star game during the 1997-98 season while playing for the Hawks. Although he did play on multiple teams, the All-Star set a new standard for Shooting Guards in Atlanta.

Small Forward:  Dominique Wilkins

Dominique Wilkins, no doubt the best Hawks Small Forward, is one of the greatest players to play in the NBA. Nicknamed “The Human Highlight Film” for his insane dunking ability, he played 12 seasons in Atlanta averaging 26.4 points, 2.6 assists, and 7 rebounds and was a 7-time All-Star.

In 2006, Wilkins was elected to the Hall Of Fame for his amazing 16 season career. In Atlanta, Dominique is treasured and was recognized for his greatness by receiving a statue outside the Hawks arena.

Power Forward: Bob Pettit

Bob Pettit played 11 seasons for the St. Louis Hawks and made a huge impact. Pettit was an excellent player averaging 26.4 points, 16.2 rebounds, and 3 rebounds per game. He was a very tenacious rebounder that would get lots of points from putbacks.

Pettit was an 11-time All-Star and 4-time All-Star game MVP. Also, he was a 2-time scoring champion, 2-time MVP, an NBA Champion, and Rookie of the year. In 1971 he was elected to the Hall Of Fame to recognize his incredible 11 season career.

Center: Dikembe Mutombo

Dikembe Mutombo had his jersey retired in 2015 primarily because he was a lockdown defender in Atlanta. Averaging 12 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game he was named an All-Star four times while in Atlanta.

Recently, Mutombo was elected to the Hall Of Fame in 2015 for his great 18 year NBA career. At 7’2″ he is definitely one of the best centers to play the game and easily the best for the Hawks.

Honorable Mentions:

Point Guard: Mookie Blaylock

Shooting Guard: Lou Hudson

Small Forward: John Drew

Power Forward: Paul Millsap

Center: Al Horford

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