Atlanta Hawks Pay Tribute To Dominique Wilkins With New Statue

The Atlanta Hawks, one of the oldest and most respected teams in the NBA, recently unveiled a new statue to honor one of their greatest players of all time – Dominique Wilkins. The larger-than-life bronze statue, which stands outside the State Farm Arena, pays tribute to Wilkins’ legendary career with the Hawks, and serves as a reminder of the impact he had on the team, the city, and the sport of basketball as a whole.

The Legacy of Dominique Wilkins

Dominique Wilkins, also known as “Nique,” is arguably the greatest player in the history of the Atlanta Hawks franchise. He joined the team in 1982 as the third pick in the NBA draft, and soon became a household name with his electrifying playing style and impressive stats. Wilkins was a nine-time NBA All-Star, a two-time NBA scoring champion, and was named the NBA’s “Player of the Month” four times during his career.

But Wilkins’ impact went beyond his individual achievements on the court. He was a leader, a mentor, and a role model for his teammates and the community. He helped elevate the Hawks into a prominent team in the league, and his contributions have not been forgotten by fans, former teammates, or the organization.

The Unveiling of the Statue

The unveiling of the Dominique Wilkins statue was a highly-anticipated event, attended by hundreds of fans, current and former players, and NBA executives. The ceremony began with a video tribute highlighting Wilkins’ greatest moments as a Hawk, followed by speeches from team executives, players, and Wilkins himself.

“I am incredibly honored, humbled, and overwhelmed by this statue,” Wilkins said in his speech. “I want to thank the Hawks organization, my family, my teammates, and most importantly, the fans, for their unwavering support throughout my career.”

The statue, created by renowned sculptor Brian Hanlon, depicts Wilkins mid-dunk, wearing his iconic Hawks jersey with the number 21. The statue is located in a prominent spot outside the State Farm Arena, where it can be admired by fans as they enter the arena to watch the Hawks play.

A Fitting Tribute

The Atlanta Hawks made the decision to honor Dominique Wilkins with a statue not only because of his incredible skills on the court, but also because of the impact he had on the city of Atlanta. Wilkins was not only a superstar athlete, but also a beloved figure in the community, known for his philanthropy and involvement in numerous charitable organizations.

The statue serves as a symbol of the team’s appreciation for Wilkins and his contributions to the franchise. It also serves as a reminder to current and future players of the high standard set by Wilkins, both on and off the court.

The Impact of the Statue

The Dominique Wilkins statue has already begun to make an impact on both the team and the city. Fans and visitors to the arena have been flocking to take photos with the statue and share their memories and admiration for the Hall of Famer. The statue has also sparked a renewed interest in Wilkins’ career, with many fans revisiting old highlight reels and articles about his time with the Hawks.

For the young players on the Hawks team, the statue serves as a reminder of the rich history and tradition of the franchise, and the responsibility they have to uphold it. It is also a source of motivation, as they strive to achieve the same level of success that Wilkins did during his time with the team.

The Dedication to Excellence Continues

The unveiling of the Dominique Wilkins statue is just one of the ways that the Atlanta Hawks continue to honor excellence and preserve the legacy of their greatest players. In addition to retired player jerseys hanging in the rafters of the State Farm Arena, the team also has statues honoring other iconic players, such as Bob Pettit and Bob Cousy.

As the Hawks look to build on their current success on the court, the Dominique Wilkins statue serves as a constant reminder of the dedication, hard work, and passion that it takes to achieve greatness – both as individuals and as a team.

In Conclusion

The Dominique Wilkins statue is a testament to the impact that he had not only on the Atlanta Hawks, but also on the sport of basketball. It is a fitting tribute to a great player, leader, and community figure, and a source of inspiration for generations to come. The statue will proudly stand outside the State Farm Arena, serving as a symbol of excellence and a reminder of the legacy of Dominique Wilkins for years to come.