Finding the best member of the Atlanta Hawks to wear every number.
The Atlanta Hawks have a long history and if you included their time in Buffalo, Milwaukee, and St. Louis, they’re (tied with four other teams) the third-oldest franchise in pro basketball.
That means many players have suited up in a Hawks uniform, wearing many different numbers. Here we’ll be digging through that long history to find the best member of the Atlanta Hawks to wear each number.
#00/0: Jeff Teague
I’ve combined double zero and zero, which worked out because Jeff Teague has worn both. Teague has now spent eight seasons in Atlanta across two stints since being drafted 19th overall in 2009. He peaked in 2015 when he made his lone All-Star appearance.
Other candidates: Tony Delk
#1: Wes Matthews
Not a particularly strong number for the Atlanta Hawks, Wes Matthews is probably the best player to wear numero uno. He spent a total of four seasons with the Hawks, averaging 8.2 points per game. He then won two NBA championships as a bench piece on the late-80s Showtime Lakers.
Other candidates: Josh Childress, Stephen Jackson, Tracy McGrady
#2: Joe Johnson
A tough choice here, as Joe Johnson battled Stacey Augmon and Moses Malone for this honor. I gave the slight edge to ‘Iso Joe’ using his tenure as a tie-breaker. He spent seven years with the Hawks, quickly rising the team’s all-time scoring list.
Other candidates: Moses Malone, Stacey Augmon
#3: Eddie Johnson
From Joe Johnson to Eddie Johnson, the latter of which spent nine years with the Hawks from 1977-86. During his time in Atlanta, he made two All-Star teams and two All-Defensive teams. He has the third-most assists and ninth-most points in team history.
Other candidates: Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Craig Ehlo
#4: Paul Millsap
I had to put Paul Millsap over Spud Webb, which was one of the hardest decisions on this list. Millsap’s stay in Atlanta was short and sweet. He made the All-Star team in each of his four seasons as a Hawk, making an All-Defensive team and was a key contributor of the 2014-2015 Hawks who won the most games in team history.
Other Candidates: Chris Crawford, Spud Webb
#5: Josh Smith
Josh Smith was always a fan favorite, although he’s remembered more fondly than he probably should be. J-Smoove was always a solid two-way player, however, blocking shots and skying for jams that helped revive “The Highlight Factory” moniker.
Other Candidates: DeMarre Carroll, Dion Glover
#6: Cliff Hagan
One of the weaker numbers in the top-20, Hagan only wins this on a technicality. The Hall-of-Famer donned three separate numbers during his time as a Hawk:17, 6, 16. He wore number six for just one season, but once you see his competition below, you’ll see why I went with Hagan.
Other Candidates: Pero Antic, Kirk Hinrich, Mario West
#7: Toni Kukoc
Another weak number that ended in a battle of two international forwards who spent just two years in Atlanta. I went with Toni Kukoč over Ersan Ilyasova because while he will never be remembered as a Hawk, he was great during his peak with the Bulls.
Other candidates: Ersan Ilyasova
#8: Walt Bellamy
Like Toni Kukoč, Walt Bellamy played for the Atlanta Hawks past his prime but still put up solid numbers during his five seasons in Atlanta. the Hall-of-Fame center spent five of his final six years with the team, averaging 15.6 points and 12.2 rebounds per game.
Other Candidates: Dwight Howard, Steve Smith
#9: Bob Pettit
A no-brainer here, as Bob Pettit is arguably the best player in franchise history. The 11-time All NBA selection wore his number nine on both the St.Louis and Atlanta Hawks, leading the league in scoring two years and helping the Hawks win their only championship in franchise history. His number is retired by the team.
Other Candidates: none
#10: Mookie Blaylock
“The Thief,” Mookie Blaylock spent his prime with the Hawks from ’92-’99, making six All-Defense teams. He’s the team’s all-time steals leader and only Doc Rivers has more assists. The Atlanta Hawks should consider retiring his number, he was that good.
Other Candidates: Steve Hawes, Tyronn Lue