Top 10 Atlanta Hawks of All Time: Flight Club Royalty
The Atlanta Hawks might not have the championship count of the Celtics or Lakers, but don’t get it twisted—this franchise’s got legacy for days. From St. Louis to ATL, the Hawks have had high-flying scorers, stone-cold shooters, and two-way killers that made crowds jump outta their seats.
We’re talking about legends who ran the floor in Converse, stars who owned the ‘80s, and modern-day hoopers who helped put Atlanta back on the map. From Dominique’s windmill jams to Trae Young’s deep bombs, this list blends old-school soul with new-school swag. You’ll find MVPs, All-Stars, defensive anchors, and offensive engines who carried the franchise through the highs, the lows, and the wild in-betweens.
These dudes didn’t just play in Atlanta—they put the Hawks on their back.
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Let’s run down the Top 10 Atlanta Hawks of All Time.
10. Mookie Blaylock
Point Guard, 6’0”, 180 lbs
Years with Hawks: 1992–1999
Mookie Blaylock was straight-up clamps before “two-way” became a buzzword. A defensive menace with quick hands and quicker instincts, Mookie patrolled the perimeter like a hawk—literally. He led the NBA in steals twice, made six All-Defensive Teams, and brought serious edge to those ’90s Hawks squads.
But don’t get it twisted—Mookie could run an offense too. He averaged 14.9 points and 7.3 assists per game during his Atlanta run, while bombing away from deep long before it was trendy. For a six-footer, he controlled games like a general and never backed down from a challenge.
Whether it was locking up the league’s best guards or orchestrating the offense for a team that made the playoffs seven straight times, Mookie was the heartbeat of the Hawks’ grind-it-out era.
Accolades:
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2× NBA Steals Leader (1997, 1998)
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6× NBA All-Defensive Team
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Ranks top 5 in Hawks history in assists and steals
9. Doc Rivers
Point Guard, 6’4”, 185 lbs
Years with Hawks: 1983–1991
Before he was drawing up plays on the sidelines, Doc Rivers was dropping dimes and locking up guards in the ATL. A floor general with leadership in his DNA, Doc was the Hawks’ starting point guard for nearly a decade, guiding them through one of the most consistent stretches in franchise history.
He averaged 12.5 points, 6.9 assists, and 1.8 steals per game during his time in Atlanta, making him one of the league’s most steady and smart playmakers. Whether he was feeding Dominique for highlight dunks or digging in on defense, Doc always brought a pro’s approach—and played with poise beyond his years.
He ranks among the Hawks’ all-time leaders in assists and steals, and his leadership helped Atlanta become a perennial playoff team in the late ‘80s.
Accolades:
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NBA All-Star (1988)
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Top 5 in franchise history in assists and steals
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Starting PG on 7 straight playoff teams
8. Cliff Hagan
Small Forward, 6’4”, 210 lbs
Years with Hawks: 1956–1966
Cliff Hagan was putting up buckets when the NBA was still black-and-white TV and elbow pads. A scoring machine with old-school toughness, Hagan brought mid-range finesse and post-up craft to the Hawks’ offense. He averaged 18.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game during his Hawks tenure and made five straight All-Star appearances.
He played a major role in the franchise’s 1958 championship run, teaming with Bob Pettit to deliver the only title in Hawks history. Hagan could get it done on both ends, known for his physical play, smart cuts, and ability to score from anywhere inside 20 feet.
You don’t win titles without dogs like Cliff Hagan—dudes who show up, put in work, and make plays when it matters most.
Accolades:
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NBA Champion (1958)
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5× NBA All-Star
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Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer
7. Trae Young
Point Guard, 6’1”, 164 lbs
Years with Hawks: 2018–present
Trae Young is already one of the most explosive offensive weapons in Hawks history—and he’s just getting started. With logo-range shooting, elite court vision, and a flair for the dramatic, Trae’s been setting the league on fire since day one.
He led the Hawks to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals, breaking expectations and breaking ankles along the way. Ice Trae’s averaged 25+ points and 9+ assists multiple seasons, making him one of just a handful of players in NBA history to pull that off.
He’s the face of the franchise, the villain in enemy arenas, and the dude who puts up 30 and 10 like it’s nothing. Love him or hate him—Trae Young is already a Hawks legend in the making.
Accolades:
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4× NBA All-Star
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All-NBA Third Team (2022)
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Led Hawks to 2021 Eastern Conference Finals
6. Dikembe Mutombo
Center, 7’2”, 245 lbs
Years with Hawks: 1996–2001
Dikembe Mutombo brought finger wags, fierce rebounding, and elite rim protection to Atlanta. One of the most dominant defensive players ever, Mutombo turned the paint into a no-fly zone every night he suited up in a Hawks jersey.
During his five-season run, he averaged 11.9 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game, won two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and made three All-Star teams. He was the anchor of the Hawks’ tough-as-nails ’90s defense and gave them instant identity and intimidation.
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This site uses affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click at no cost to you.
He didn’t just protect the rim—he owned it. And when that finger went up? You knew the shot was sent right back where it came from.
Accolades:
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2× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1997, 1998)
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3× NBA All-Star (with ATL)
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3× All-Defensive Team
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer (2015)
5. Joe Johnson
Shooting Guard, 6’7”, 240 lbs
Years with Hawks: 2005–2012
Joe Johnson brought iso buckets and All-Star consistency to a Hawks team starving for a face of the franchise. “Iso Joe” was smooth, unshakable, and lethal under pressure—one of the league’s best closers and most underrated stars of the 2000s.
He averaged 20.9 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game during his seven seasons in Atlanta, leading the team to five straight playoff appearances and putting the Hawks back on the national radar. Whether it was a stepback three or a mid-post fadeaway, Joe always had a counter.
Not flashy, not loud—just cold-blooded production night after night.
Accolades:
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6× NBA All-Star (5 with ATL)
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Led Hawks to 5 straight playoff berths
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Top 10 in franchise history in points and assists
4. Lou Hudson
Shooting Guard, 6’5”, 210 lbs
Years with Hawks: 1966–1977
Sweet Lou Hudson had a jumper so smooth it could’ve been bottled and sold. One of the purest scorers in franchise history, Hudson averaged 22.0 points per game during his 11 seasons with the Hawks—and did it with effortless consistency.
Whether it was on the break, mid-range, or at the line, Hudson was a walking bucket. He dropped 20+ points in seven straight seasons, was named to six All-Star teams, and helped Atlanta stay relevant during the ‘70s. And he did it without needing the spotlight—just the ball and a little space.
When it came to scoring with style and skill, Lou Hudson was years ahead of his time.
Accolades:
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6× NBA All-Star
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No. 23 retired by Hawks
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Averaged over 25 PPG in four seasons
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer (2022)
3. Al Horford
Center/Power Forward, 6’9”, 240 lbs
Years with Hawks: 2007–2016
Al Horford was the steady hand, the backbone, the silent enforcer of a Hawks era defined by balance and defense. Drafted third overall in 2007, Horford became the anchor of a team that made the playoffs nine straight years—leading with grit, IQ, and versatility.
He could guard multiple positions, hit clutch jumpers, and facilitate from the post. Never flashy, but always fundamental, Big Al made four All-Star teams in Atlanta and was a key piece of the 60-win squad that reached the 2015 Eastern Conference Finals.
He wasn’t loud. He wasn’t flashy. He just won.
Accolades:
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4× NBA All-Star (with ATL)
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2011 All-NBA Third Team
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Leader of the 60-win 2014–15 team
2. Bob Pettit
Power Forward, 6’9”, 205 lbs
Years with Hawks: 1954–1965
Before the three-point line, before the shot clock era exploded, Bob Pettit was putting up video game numbers in real life. He averaged a staggering 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds per game for his career and led the Hawks to their one and only NBA title in 1958.
Pettit was relentless—a high-effort beast who could score inside, draw fouls, and dominate the glass. He was the first ever NBA MVP, a two-time winner, and made the All-Star team every single year of his 11-season career.
The numbers are absurd, the accolades unmatched—Bob Pettit was the league’s first superstar big.
Accolades:
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2× NBA MVP (1956, 1959)
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NBA Champion (1958)
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11× NBA All-Star, 10× All-NBA First Team
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No. 9 retired by Hawks
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer (1971)
1. Dominique Wilkins
Small Forward, 6’8”, 230 lbs
Years with Hawks: 1982–1994
Dominique Wilkins wasn’t just a scorer—he was a show. The Human Highlight Film brought swagger, aerial artistry, and cold-blooded buckets to Atlanta, and in return, the city crowned him its king.
Nique averaged 26.4 points per game over 12 seasons, led the NBA in scoring in 1986, and gave fans poster dunks, clutch jumpers, and iconic playoff battles—especially his legendary duel with Larry Bird in the ’88 Eastern Semis. His blend of power and finesse made him must-see TV every single night.
No player represents Atlanta basketball more than Dominique. Period.
Accolades:
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9× NBA All-Star
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NBA Scoring Champion (1986)
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No. 21 retired by Hawks
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Franchise all-time leading scorer
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer (2006)
Still hooping through history? Check out the legends who ran the whole league in our Top 10 NBA Players of All Time—the game’s true immortals.
Want more ATL greatness? Don’t miss the Top 10 Atlanta Falcons of All Time and see which gridiron giants rep the city with pride.
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