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8 Worst free agent signings in Atlanta Hawks history

By Tyler Watts

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 01: Joe Johnson #2 of the Atlanta Hawks against the Boston Celtics at Philips Arena on April 1, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 01: Joe Johnson #2 of the Atlanta Hawks against the Boston Celtics at Philips Arena on April 1, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks, Jon Koncak (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

1. Jon Koncak

The Hawks once made Koncak, who was averaging 6.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and one block in 20.8 minutes per game for his career at the time, one of the highest-paid players in the NBA. In 1989, the seven-footer became a restricted free agent, and he had an offer from the Pistons. Atlanta did not want to lose the big man, so they signed him to a six-year deal worth $13 million. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, he had a larger contract than Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan.

It is crazy to think that was among the biggest contracts in the league 30-plus years ago, and that Koncak was making more than the best players in the world. The infamous deal earned him the nickname Jon Contract, and his production did not increase during the deal.

Koncak spent ten seasons with the Hawks where he averaged 4.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and one block in 21.1 minutes per game as primarily the backup center. He had his best statistical year as a rookie. Atlanta made the playoffs in eight of his ten years, but they never advanced beyond the second round.

Jon Koncak’s deal is unquestionably the worst free agent signing in Atlanta Hawks’ history, and it was also one of the strangest in league history.

Hawks 15 best scorers of all-time. dark. Next

John Collins’s massive five-year $125 million extension could make this list in the future if he does not increase his production. The current Hawks have plenty of questions to answer this offseason, and they are a team to watch closely. Stay tuned.