Flashback: The Atlanta Hawks' golden age
July, 3, 2012
7/03/12
12:40
PM ET
By
Patrick Dorsey | ESPN.com
They're not quite there, but they could be: After trading Joe Johnson and setting up for a run at Dwight Howard and Chris Paul, the Atlanta Hawks might become more than just a decent team for the first time in almost three decades.
So let's flash back to the Hawks' golden age, back in 1986-87, when they set a franchise record for wins (57, which still stands, although it was matched in 1993-94). Although the Hawks lost in the Eastern Conference semifinals (the team in Atlanta has never made it further), they featured more than a few faces who remain familiar to this day.
HAWKS LINEUP, CIRCA 1986-87:
F Dominique Wilkins
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty ImagesHe was more than just a Highlight Film; Wilkins averaged 29.0 points in 86-87, second in the NBA.
F Kevin Willis
Getty ImagesWillis, seen here against Kevin McHale in 1988, averaged 16.1 ppg and 10.5 rpg in 86-87.
C Tree Rollins
Dick Raphael/Getty ImagesRollins, seen here earlier in the decade, was the classic big body/small stats center.
G Randy Wittman
Scott Cunningham/NBAE/Getty ImagesThen a starting 2-guard, Wittman now coaches in the NBA (Wizards). Like another guy in this pic ...
G Doc Rivers
Andrew D. Bernstein/ NBAE/ Getty Images... that's right, Doc Rivers, another (quite successful) now-NBA coach. What team is his again?
Notable reserve: Spud Webb
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty ImagesWebb only played 33 games that year (zero starts), but was already a tiny slam dunk champion.
Head coach: Mike Fratello
Brian Drake/NBAE/Getty ImagesBefore he became Czar of the Telestrator, Fratello was just czar. Short czar, but a czar nonetheless.
So let's flash back to the Hawks' golden age, back in 1986-87, when they set a franchise record for wins (57, which still stands, although it was matched in 1993-94). Although the Hawks lost in the Eastern Conference semifinals (the team in Atlanta has never made it further), they featured more than a few faces who remain familiar to this day.
HAWKS LINEUP, CIRCA 1986-87:
F Dominique Wilkins
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty ImagesHe was more than just a Highlight Film; Wilkins averaged 29.0 points in 86-87, second in the NBA.F Kevin Willis
Getty ImagesWillis, seen here against Kevin McHale in 1988, averaged 16.1 ppg and 10.5 rpg in 86-87.C Tree Rollins
Dick Raphael/Getty ImagesRollins, seen here earlier in the decade, was the classic big body/small stats center.G Randy Wittman
Scott Cunningham/NBAE/Getty ImagesThen a starting 2-guard, Wittman now coaches in the NBA (Wizards). Like another guy in this pic ...G Doc Rivers
Andrew D. Bernstein/ NBAE/ Getty Images... that's right, Doc Rivers, another (quite successful) now-NBA coach. What team is his again?Notable reserve: Spud Webb
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty ImagesWebb only played 33 games that year (zero starts), but was already a tiny slam dunk champion.Head coach: Mike Fratello
Brian Drake/NBAE/Getty ImagesBefore he became Czar of the Telestrator, Fratello was just czar. Short czar, but a czar nonetheless.
Patrick Dorsey | email
PlaybookPatrick Dorsey is a Playbook editor. He has worked for the Web and newspapers, had a cup of craft service coffee in film school, and played in one Division III golf tournament (he shot 105).
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