G- Pete Maravich: 1970–1974

“Pistol” Pete Maravich played his first four seasons with the Hawks after being drafted with the third overall pick in 1970. In his four short seasons with the team, Maravich established himself as a dynamic scorer, immediately coming in and earning the title of “the team’s best player.”

His prolific shooting ability was immediately apparent upon arriving in the NBA, leading the team in scoring in all four of his seasons with the team. His 23.2 points per game that he averaged during his rookie season is still the highest scoring season for a Hawks’ rookie.

Maravich was a two-time All-Star as a Hawk and appeared on the All-NBA Second Team in 1973. He led the team to the playoffs in three of his four seasons.

Although the team had immense success with Maravich, the team ultimately traded him following the 1973–1974 season, but even so, Maravich’s time with the Hawks cannot and should not be overlooked.

G- Joe Johnson: 2005–2012

Joe Johnson spent the prime of his career with the Hawks. Johnson played in six All-Star games in a span of seven years and appeared on the All-NBA Third Team in 2010. He was the team’s definitive leader, leading the team in a number of statistical categories and earned the nickname “Joe Cool” for always showing a calm demeanor.

Johnson’s numbers aren’t eye popping, but rather are consistent. You knew what you were getting from Johnson year in and year out- around 20 points, five assist, and five rebounds per game.

The team made the playoffs in the final five seasons of Johnson’s career. Their appearance in 2008 ended an eight-year playoff drought.

F- Dominique Wilkins: 1982–1994

Dominique Wilkins was the face of the Hawks from the beginning of the eighties to the middle of the nineties. He was an offensive juggernaut, leading the team in scoring in all 12 of his seasons (never averaging fewer than 19 points in any of those 12 seasons). His ability to finish explosively at the rim combined with his tremendous mid range jumper propelled the Hawks from mediocrity to perennial playoff contender.

All nine of Wilkins All-Star appearances came as a member of the Hawks. On top of that, Wilkins was also named to seven All-NBA Teams (1x First Team, 4x Second Team, 2x Third Team). His best season came in 1988 when he averaged 30.7 points per game on 47 percent shooting. In that season he nearly led the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals, losing in a remarkable round two game seven against the Celtics, in which he and Larry Bird put on a show for all to watch. Wilkins finished with 47 points on 58 percent shooting.

Despite a lack of playoff success, Wilkins is one of the two best players to ever play for the Hawks. He is the team’s all-time leader in games played, minutes played, points scored, and field goals made. He’s arguably the most recognizable player in franchise history, for not only his on-court contributions, but also for what he has done off the court for the city of Atlanta.

F- Bob Pettit: 1954–1965

Bob Pettit is often forgotten when discussing the NBA’s all-time greatest players, but nonetheless, his production on the court should not go unnoticed. Pettit is the best player in franchise history. He was the original face of the franchise and was the best player on the team from the start of his career to the end of his career.

Pettit led the Hawks to the NBA finals four times, winning the franchise’s only title in 1958. At the time of his retirement Pettit’s 50 points in the clinching game of that NBA finals was an NBA record.

Pettit is the only player in Hawks’ history to win the MVP award, doing so twice (1956 and 1959). He led the NBA in scoring twice, was a member of 10 All-NBA First Teams, and was an 11x All-Star.

Without him the popularity of basketball in the city of St. Louis would not be what it is today. Although the franchise left the city of St. Louis after Pettit’s retirement, his impact on the city of St. Louis is still felt today.

C- Al Horford: 2007–2016

After departing via free agency, the Al Horford era came to an end this past summer. During that era the Hawks were among the most consistent teams in the Eastern Conference, making the playoffs in all eight of his seasons.

After Joe Johnson’s departure, Horford became the definitive face of the franchise, taking over the bulk of the offense. He immediately became the team’s leader in usage percentage and was often looked upon to bail the team out of late game situations.

Horford made four All-Star games and appeared on the All-NBA Third Team following the 2009–2010 season.