Five things you need to know about the Atlanta Hawks

Thinking about following Atlanta?

The Hawks are on the rise, and arguably one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NBA. But how do you brush up on over 70 years’ worth of history? Simple – you cheat.

Here are some vital stats for the Atlanta Hawks, and five things you need to know if you ever want to impress in Georgia:

 

Quick facts

Conference: East

Division: Southeast

Founded: 1946

NBA titles: 1 (1958)

Conference titles: 4 Western (1957, 1958, 1960, 1961)

Head Coach: Mike Budenholzer

All-time greatest player: Two-time league MVP, Bob Petit.

Three current players you need to know: Al Horford, Jeff Teague, Kyle Korver.

 

1. They made the Eastern Conference finals in 2015

Although the Hawks won 4 conference titles over the course of their history, all of these were when they played in the West (they switched conference in 1970).

2015 marked the first time they made it to the Eastern Conference’s big game. OK, so they may have lost in 4 straight games to LeBron and the Cavaliers, but it was still a great achievement for a team no-one really expected to do anything.

Expect to see more success this season.

 

2. They have the second-longest drought for NBA championships

Despite an encouraging season in 2015, it’s been a long time since Atlanta have won anything.

Their only NBA championship came in 1958, leading to a 57 season drought. Only the Sacramento Kings have waiting longer for a championship ring.

In fact, since they lost won it all in the NBA, nine teams have been founded, entered the league, and won a championship.

But there’s always next year in Atlanta.

 

3. Their coach is also their president

The Hawks are coached by former Spurs Assistant Mike Budenholzer. Who also, you know, kinda happens to be their President of Basketball Operations.

While this seems a little incestuous by UK standards, it’s actually a little more common across the pond. To put it simply, Budenholzer has the final say in all basketball matters. They do have a General Manager in Atlanta but, in essence, he’s little more than a very highly-paid mascot. Sorry Wes Wilcox.

It has to be said that Budenholzer has been great since arriving in Georgia, winning the NBA Coach of the Year in 2015. Let’s just hope he’s as good in the office as he is on the court.

 

4. They like 3-pointers

Two words: Kyle. Korver.

The veteran swingman is one of the all-time greats from the outside, holding NBA records for the most consecutive games with a made three-pointer (127), and the highest three-point field goal percentage in a single season (53.6%).

He might have made his first All-Star appearance in 2015. He might be 34-years-old. But there aren’t many more exciting players to watch from downtown in the entire NBA.

 

5. Their logo is awesome

Whichever way you look at it, their current logo is pretty badass.

Adopted as their official logo in 2014, it’s 50% pissed-off looking bird of prey, and 50% evil Pac-Man throwing up – making a pretty imposing half-court image at the Phillips Arena.

They also adopted brand new colours the same year, officially opting for Torch Red, Volt Green and Georgia Granite Gray.

Basically, red and white. But admirable attempt at attitude Atlanta.