The Atlanta Hawks: High-Flying with 'Nique, Spud, and The Tree

The Atlanta Hawks have a rich history in the NBA, marked by periods of high-flying excitement and dominant personalities. While championship glory has remained elusive since their St. Louis days, the franchise has produced memorable players and captivating moments. This article focuses on a specific era, highlighting the contributions of three Atlanta icons: Dominique Wilkins, Spud Webb, and Tree Rollins.

Dominique Wilkins: The Human Highlight Film

Dominique Wilkins, arguably the greatest Hawk of all time, was a scoring machine and human highlight reel. His explosive athleticism, ferocious dunks, and clutch performances captivated fans throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.

• "The Human Highlight Film": Wilkins earned this nickname for his gravity-defying dunks and acrobatic finishes. He was a two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion (1985, 1990), showcasing his creativity and power above the rim.¹
• Scoring Prowess: Wilkins was a nine-time All-Star and led the league in scoring in 1986.² He averaged over 25 points per game for 10 consecutive seasons and remains the Hawks' all-time leading scorer with 23,292 points.³
• Playoff Battles: Wilkins led the Hawks to the playoffs nine times, engaging in memorable battles with Larry Bird's Celtics and other Eastern Conference rivals.⁴ His 47-point performance in Game 7 of the 1988 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics is considered one of the greatest playoff duels in NBA history.

Spud Webb: The High-Flying Underdog

Spud Webb, despite his diminutive stature (5'7"), was a high-flying sensation who defied expectations with his incredible leaping ability and electrifying dunks.

• Slam Dunk Champion: In one of the biggest upsets in Slam Dunk Contest history, Webb defeated his Atlanta Hawks teammate Dominique Wilkins in 1986.⁵ His two perfect scores in the final round, featuring incredible hang time and acrobatic maneuvers, shocked the crowd and solidified his place in NBA lore.
• Beyond the Dunks: While known for his dunking prowess, Webb was a skilled ball-handler and playmaker. He provided a spark off the bench for the Hawks, contributing with his scoring, passing, and tenacious defense.

Tree Rollins: The Defensive Anchor

Wayne "Tree" Rollins, standing at 7'1", was a defensive stalwart for the Hawks, protecting the rim with his imposing size and shot-blocking ability.⁶

• Defensive Dominance: Rollins led the NBA in blocks in 1983 and was a consistent presence in the paint throughout his career.⁷ He is the Hawks' all-time leader in blocks with 2,283.
• Physical Presence: Rollins was known for his physicality and toughness, often engaging in battles with opposing centers.⁸ His presence altered shots and intimidated opponents, making him a valuable anchor for the Hawks' defense.

The Hawks' Legacy:

While the Wilkins-Webb-Rollins era didn't result in a championship, it represents a period of excitement and individual brilliance for the Atlanta Hawks. These three players, each with their unique talents and contributions, left a lasting impact on the franchise and its fans.

• Playoff Success: The Hawks consistently made the playoffs during this era, reaching the Eastern Conference Semifinals five times.
• Individual Accolades: Wilkins, Webb, and Rollins all earned individual recognition for their performances, with Wilkins leading the way as a nine-time All-Star and scoring champion.
• Fan Favorites: Their exciting style of play and captivating personalities made them fan favorites in Atlanta and across the league.

The Atlanta Hawks continue to build on their legacy, with new stars emerging and a renewed pursuit of championship glory. However, the contributions of Dominique Wilkins, Spud Webb, and Tree Rollins will always hold a special place in the hearts of Hawks fans, representing a time of high-flying athleticism, defensive dominance, and unforgettable moments.