Atlanta Hawks · Franchise era 1 of 6
Pettit builds a champion: the Atlanta Hawks story
Franchise era
1949–50—1967–68
Pettit builds a champion
Atlanta Hawks
The story in one sentence
The franchise moved from the Tri-Cities to Milwaukee and St. Louis, where Pettit powered four Finals trips and the championship that interrupted Boston's dynasty.
Three cities, four Finals and the 1958 title
Bob Pettit, Cliff Hagan and Lenny Wilkens gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for a new home in atlanta.
Timeline
How it unfolded
The foundation
The franchise context
From the Tri-Cities to St. Louis and Atlanta, the Hawks have repeatedly reinvented themselves around transcendent scorers, versatile big men and deep, balanced teams.
1957
NBA Finals: St. Louis Hawks vs Boston Celtics
1960
NBA Finals: St. Louis Hawks vs Boston Celtics
After 1967–68
What came next
The Hawks settled in Atlanta, pairing Hudson's smooth scoring with Maravich's invention before Roundfield anchored a tougher transition.
The core