Atlanta Hawks: Top 5 Shooting Guards of All-Time
Sweet Lou Hudson was drafted with the 4th overall pick in the 1st round of the 1966 NBA Draft by the the then St. Louis Hawks. Two seasons later the team would move to Atlanta and Hudson would go on to become one of the best players in franchise history.
Hudson was named to the All-Rookie team in 1966-1967 and made the All-Star game six times as a Hawk. In the 1969-1970 season he was named first team All-NBA.
Hudson played 11 seasons in the Hawks organization, averaging 22 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.7 steals per game on 48.7 percent shooting. After the 1976-1977 season Atlanta traded Hudson to the Los Angeles Lakers. After two seasons with the Lakers Hudson retired.
He was primarily thought of as a scorer during an era when defense was not appreciated. From 1969-1970 to 1974-1975 Hudson averaged at least 22.5 points per game in each season.
Hudson’s 22 points per game is still fourth best in franchise history, his 730 games played is sixth most in franchise history, and his 25,825 minutes played is third most in franchise history. Hudson also ranks in the top ten in career field goals, free throws, points, steals per game and offensive win shares.
Hudson’s No. 23 jersey has been retired by the Atlanta Hawks organizations due to his productive playing career.
Next: Player Profile: Terran Petteway
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