Ranking the best international players in Atlanta Hawks history
By Nile Goodwyn
Six different countries were represented by the 2016-17 Atlanta Hawks roster. In the team’s 68 year history, which international players have been the greatest?
As basketball has become more popular worldwide, an influx of international talent has flooded the league. Last season, Greece’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and Spain’s Marc Gasol were both named All-Stars, representing the league’s expansion around the world.
Two seasons prior, Pau and Marc Gasol were the starting centers for their respective conferences, and made history by becoming the first brothers to be voted as All-Star starters.
Last season, the NBA announced that 113 international players from 41 countries and territories were on opening night rosters to begin 2016-17 season. Both the number of foreign-born NBA players and the number of countries represented were record-breaking feats.
The Utah Jazz’ opening night roster totalled seven international players, including former Atlanta Hawk Boris Diaw. The Hawks suited up five players born outside of the United States last season, and four of them played in the Atlanta Hawks’ 2017 playoff series against the Washington Wizards.
The Atlanta Hawks have had 36 international players play in their uniform over their nearly 70-year history. A few have had the skill to be the best players on the roster. Others were integral role players on the most memorable squads in team history. Which international Atlanta Hawk is the greatest?