National Basketball Association
New Jersey Nets
Eastern Conference/Atlantic Division
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History of the Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks, entering their 40th NBA season, arrived from St. Louis in the 1968/69 season and made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals where they lost to the LA Lakers in 5 games. They would continue to make the playoffs for 12 straight years, making it to the Conference finals in their 2nd season only to be knocked out by the Lakers again.
In the 1970/71 season, the Hawks chose Pete Maravich (the NCAA’s all time leading scorer) and managed to get into the playoffs only to be turned back by the New York Knicks. Two seasons later (and even though he came in 2nd in scoring) the Hawks shipped Maravich off to the expansion New Orleans Jazz for 2 players and 4 draft picks.
The Hawks would make it back to the playoffs in the 1977/78 season under the coaching of Hubie Brown, who would have a series of uneventful seasons, only to be fired in the 1980/81 season. The team would continue to acquire great players and great coaches but have never been able to put it all together and have yet to reach the Conference Finals again.
The Hawks have had 7 Hall of Famers on their rosters: Walt Bellamy (1970-74), Coach Hubie Brown (1976-1981), Connie Hawkins (1975/76), Moses Malone (1988-1991), “Pistol” Pete Maravich (1970-74), Coach Lenny Wilkens (1993-2000) and Dominique Wilkins (1982-1994).
The team has retired 4 jerseys: #9 Bob Pettit, #21 Dominique Wilkins, #23 Lou Hudson and #40 Jason Collier.
The Hawks have made 23 playoff appearances in 40 seasons, have been Division Champions 4 times (1970, 1980, 1987 and 1994) and have gone to the Conference Finals 2 times (1969 and 1970).
Team Awards include 3 Coach of the Year Awards (1978 Hubie Brown, 1986 Mike Fratello and 1994 Lenny Wilkens), 1 Most Improved Player Award (1998 Alan Henderson) and 2 Defensive Player of the Year Awards (1997 & 1998 Dikembe Mutombo).
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Prudential Center
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NBA Basketball
Eastern Conference
| Atlantic Division | Central Division | Southeast Division |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | Chicago Bulls | Atlanta Hawks |
| New Jersey Nets | Cleveland Cavaliers | Charlotte Bobcats |
| New York Knicks | Detroit Pistons | Miami Heat |
| Philadelphia 76ers | Indiana Pacers | Orlando Magic |
| Toronto Raptors | Milwaukee Bucks | Washington Wizards |
