Atlanta Hawks players like Dominique Wilkins have shown that humans can sometimes fly. However, fewer fans are likely to be familiar with “Pistol Pete”, “Sweet Lou” and the “Tri-Cities Blackhawks”. Knowing the history of the Atlanta Hawks can help us better appreciate their modern team.

Did you know that today’s Atlanta Hawks started out as the Tri-Cities Blackhawks? In the first year of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Blackhawks became one of the top 17 teams in the basketball league. The three cities the Blackhawks represented included:

or Davenport, Iowa

or Moline, Illinois

or Rock Island, Illinois

Future Celtics coach Arnold “Red” Auerbach helped lead the team to a regular season record of 28-36 (1949-1950) and a trip to the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Blackhawks lost in the first round.

At the beginning of the 1951-1952 season, the Blackhawks moved to the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In addition to getting rid of two cities, they also divested the first syllable of their team’s name, to simply become the “Falcons.” Although the team had a new city, a new name and a new arena, they finished the season with a disappointing 17-49 record.

After three more losing seasons, Hawks owner Ben Kerner decided to move the team to St. Louis, Missouri. In his first season in St. Louis, the Hawks added some key players, including Bob Pettit, who became the Hawks’ MVP (1955-1956). Atlanta finished second in the Western Division, with a 33-39 record. The Hawks won the division semi-final series, but fell to the Fort Wayne Pistons 3-2 in the division final series.

The Hawks moved to Atlanta, their current home, prior to the 1968-1969 season. As the Hawks reached the Western Division Finals, they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. Throughout the team’s entire history, it has won four conference titles (1957, 1958, 1960 and 1961). They also won an NBA championship in 1958, like the St. Louis Hawks.

Throughout its history, the Hawks franchise has retired the numbers of four players:

Jason Collier-Centro (2003-2005)

Collier played in the NBA between 2000 and 2005. He was the 15th overall pick during the 2000 NBA Draft, and during his career he averaged 5.6 points per game. In 2005, Collier died suddenly during the offseason, due to an abnormal heart rhythm.

Lou Hudson-Forward / Guard (1966-1977)

Lou Hudson was referred to by fans as “Sweet Lou”, due to his graceful and accurate jump shot. During his professional basketball career, Hudson scored 17,940 points in 13 seasons. He was also an NBA All-Star for six seasons.

Bob Pettit-Forward (1954-1965)

Pettit played his entire NBA career with the Hawks. He won the NBA’s “Rookie of the Year” award in 1955. Pettit has the best rebounding total in the NBA All-Star Game of 27 (1962).

Dominique Wilkins-Forward (1982-1994)

Nicknamed “The Human Highlight Film,” Wilkins became famous for his dunks. Wilkins was on nine NBA All-Star teams and twice won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

Today, the Atlanta Hawks continue to fly high. Cheer on Atlanta’s favorite birds with the wide variety of Atlanta Hawks products available.