Q&A with Atlanta Hawks play-by-play announcer Bob Rathbun
The NBA season is approaching, and the players aren’t the only ones getting primed and ready to take on whatever obstacles the year has in store for them. Referees, journalists, broadcasters, and other NBA employees are also preparing for the season. I recently spoke with Atlanta Hawks play-by-play announcer Bob Rathbun about the role he plays and his thoughts on the upcoming season.
Bob Rathbun has been a play-by-play announcer for the Atlanta Hawks for over 20 years. He’s also done work for the Atlanta Braves, Washington Bullets, Baltimore Orioles, and Detroit Tigers just to name a few. Rathbun has won a number of awards for his work as a broadcaster in multiple states.
Related Story: What the first preseason game told us about the Atlanta Hawks offense
Q: When you received the invitation to work for the Atlanta Hawks back in 1996, what was your initial reaction to moving to Atlanta? Did you ever think you’d be here for the next 20+ years once landing a job with the Hawks? How has your experience been living here?
A: “I have loved Atlanta and Atlanta sports since I grew up in NC. I remember listening to Skip Caray call Hawks games on WSB Radio and thought it was so cool. It’s been an honor and a privilege to be entrusted with this chair for so long. I never take it for granted. I love living here and it’s been amazing to watch the city grow since the Olympics.”
Q: Its obvious you enjoy your career. You’re very passionate during Hawks games, and you call the games in a way where you could make even a preseason game sound like an elimination game in the playoffs. Where did your passion for play-by-play come from? When did you know this was what you wanted to do in life?
A: “Thank you, first off, for the kind words. I knew when I was 12 this is what I wanted to do. I’ve always been excitable watching and covering basketball, and I think it’s just an extension of my personality. How do you not get excited about the great plays you see in the NBA?!”
Q: We know you have an electrifying personality on television, but what is Bob Rathbun the dad/husband like? Are you that charismatic at home?
A: “I try out all my puns and one liners here first. If I get a collective groan, the rolling of the eyes, I know I’ve got a winner. LOL”
Q: I understand you have numerous awards and accomplishments under your belt for your broadcasting skills. But I want to know, out of all the years of working with the Hawks specifically, what has been your favorite moment. Which Hawks moment were you a part of that made you go, “wow, I am a really lucky guy to have witnessed this in person”?
A: “It wasn’t one moment, rather that incredible 60-win season and the trip to the EC Finals. The 19-game win streak, 4 all-stars, an unbeaten month. It was all incredible. But the best part was watching our city and Hawks fans everywhere come together like never before in their support.”
Q: You and Dominique Wilkins work very well together calling games. Do you guys do things outside of work, and would you say that strengthens you guy’s chemistry on-air?
A: “Who? Nique and I are joined at the hip for 7-8 months and we hang out, especially on the road. He’s a joy to be around.”
Q: What’s the biggest difference between calling a Hawks game compared to calling an Atlanta Dream game or a Braves game?
A: “Just the difference in the sports. The pace and rhythm of each sport is different and I hope to mirror that.”
Q: You’re not only an exceptional broadcaster, but you’re also a motivational speaker and you own your own motivational blog. What made you want to get into motivational speaking and to start your own blog?
A: “By doing so much public speaking in my job, and speaking to so many students in high school and college. Just a natural outgrowth. Thank you for asking. It’s another passion of mine.”
Q: A new era is beginning for the Hawks this season. If you will, can you give the readers a glimpse of what it’s like to prepare for a game and how the process may differ this season due to all the new faces on the Hawks roster.
A: “Nothing changes! Can’t wait to tell all the new stories and watch how Bud and Travis pull all this together. I’m a Hawks fan, so I’m excited to be around the guys through thick and thin.”
Q: Which players/player are you most excited to see this season? New or old.
A: “Collins for sure. I think the Hawks found a gem. It will be fun to watch his development each night.”
Q: Do you have any nicknames for the new guys yet? And what is your all-time favorite nickname personally given to a Hawks player?
A: “That comes naturally, usually inspired by the players. I enjoyed dubbing Paul Millsap The Anchorman. That was truly his role for us. One of the great Hawks. I will miss him dearly.”
Q: Not only are there new players, but the Philips Arena looks very different as well. What are your thoughts on the new renovations, barbershop, court side bar, etc…being that you’ve worked in the arena for so long?
A: “All great! And needed! When the arena is complete next year, we will have a destination entertainment showplace.”
Q: One thing before you go, what’s one thing you get to see up close that’s different than what most people perceive at home. There are so many theories and made-up perceptions from people who watch games on TV. What is something that you know first-hand is completely different than what most fans who watch from home think?
A: “How tough the losses are. I think the fans’ perception of players is shaped by bloggers and talk radio, and many times those perceptions are not rooted in the truth. When you are with a team and see how hard they work, how much they care about what they do, and how devastating defeat is, I think many fans would be surprised. These guys are not robots. They are not pawns in your fantasy game. They are good guys with families and feelings. I think that often gets overlooked.”
Next: Atlanta Hawks final preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks
You can catch Bob Rathbun on every Hawks game on Fox Sports South.