As we enter the top 15 players in my ongoing ranking of the top 25 Atlanta Hawks players of the past 25 years, we recently concluded the countdown from number 20 to 16 on Sunday.
The athletes ranked from 11 to 15 typically served as either foundational starters or brief but stellar All-Stars during their tenure with the Hawks.
Some of these players displayed strong statistics despite being part of less impressive or even struggling Hawks teams, leading to their contributions being overlooked during their time. This reflects the franchise’s inconsistent performance in the new millennium.
Now, let’s dive back into the rankings, starting with number 15:
No. 15: Marvin Williams (2005-12)
It’s worth noting that a Hall of Fame point guard and a multi-time All-Star were drafted just after Williams. This highlights former GM Billy Knight’s peculiar focus on drafting 6’8” players. Nevertheless, the Tar Heel, who was a one-and-done, developed into a solid starter for the Hawks and later teams.
Selected second overall in the 2005 NBA Draft, the Hawks aimed to enhance their core featuring Joe Johnson and Josh Smith. By his second season, Williams had secured the starting small forward position, showcasing his athleticism and defensive versatility. However, it became evident that he was a complementary player rather than a cornerstone of the franchise.
No. 14: Shareef Abdur-Rahim (2001-04)
Abdur-Rahim’s All-Star appearance during the early 2000s has a significant impact on his inclusion in this list.
