Best Atlanta Hawks Players of All Time

The Atlanta Hawks have been a highlight factory over these last few decades, as Dominique Wilkins provided many memorable moments.

Trae Young is currently providing some excitement in “Hotlanta,” which helped them become perpetual playoff contenders and top favourites in NBA betting. Who are some other great players in franchise history?

Best Atlanta Hawks Players of All Time

1. Dominique Wilkins

Dominique Wilkins earned the nickname “The Human Highlight Film” due to his powerful, flashy dunks.

No question where the nickname 'Human Highlight Film' comes from 🤯🔥 Happy birthday, @DWilkins21! pic.twitter.com/6zcHyW9kHC

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 12, 2022

The seven-time All-NBA and Hall of Fame forward also had great footwork and a ton of post moves in his arsenal, which helped make him one of the deadliest scorers in the league.

Wilkins has the most points, second-most steals, and fourth-most rebounds in franchise history.

2. Bob Pettit

Bob Pettit helped the St. Louis Hawks win an NBA championship over Bill Russell and the Boston Celtics in 1958, scoring 50 points in Game 6 to clinch the title.

The two-time MVP, 11-time All-NBA, and Hall of Fame forward/center has the most rebounds and second-most points in franchise history.

3. Lou Hudson

Lou Hudson was known for his sweet shooting touch on the perimeter, as he consistently averaged over 20 points and a 45% field goal percentage per game.

The one-time All-NBA and Hall of Fame guard/forward has the third-most points in franchise history.

4. Cliff Hagan

With his hook shot, quickness, and strength, Cliff Hagan helped the Hawks win a championship in 1958.

The two-time All-NBA and Hall of Fame forward has the fourth-most points in franchise history.

5. Dikembe Mutombo

Dikembe Mutombo was one of the premier shot blockers in the league, averaging over three per game during his time in the ATL.

Dikembe Mutombo's #Hawks records:
– Career BPG (3.2)
– Season DREB (853)
– Playoff BPG (2.5)
– Season GP (80) of 1+ BLK
– Consecutive GP (18) of 2+ BLKpic.twitter.com/FEA2UbKUTD

— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) October 6, 2022

Mutombo, affectionately known for wagging his finger after blocking a shot, earned three Defensive Player of the Year Awards as a Hawk, as well as two All-NBA and four All-Defensive Teams.

Mutombo has the third most blocks in franchise history.

6. Joe Johnson 

Possessing ankle-breaking handles and an elite ability to create his own shot off the dribble, Joe Johnson was one of the smoothest scorers ever, especially in clutch situations.

“Iso-Joe” also took advantage of his bigger frame to post up on smaller defenders and either convert turnaround fadeaway jumpers or power his way to the rim.

Johnson has the third-most 3-pointers and sixth-most points in franchise history.

7. Al Horford

A powerful finisher at the rim and mid-range specialist, Al Horford also provided lockdown defence for a Hawks team that got to the playoffs every season he was there.

Horford added a 3-point shot to his repertoire toward the end of his time in Atlanta.

8. Trae Young

A tremendous ball-handler, 3-point shooter, playmaker, and lightning-quick guard, Trae Young has established himself as one of the most popular players in the league.

Trae Young reacts to some of his coldest moments on the court 🥶

Ice Trae and the @ATLHawks visit the Lakers tonight at 10pm/et on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/PkIHwW4WWK

— NBA (@NBA) January 7, 2022

With his ability to blow past defenders, “Ice Trae” has developed a nice floater to prevent opposing big men from swatting away his shot attempts.

Young currently has the second-most 3-pointers and third-most assists in franchise history, but he should almost certainly be atop those lists soon.