In a thrilling sequel to the Atlanta Hawks’ rebounding saga, RotoWire has unveiled the top 5 all-time rebounders in the franchise’s storied history. These titans of the boards have left an indelible mark on the game, showcasing their dominance in the paint with unmatched tenacity and skill.
Leading the charge is none other than the undisputed king of rebounds, Bob Pettit. A true legend in Hawks’ history, Pettit’s illustrious career saw him don the team’s jersey as the only franchise he ever played for. Standing at 6-foot-9, the power forward/center was a force to be reckoned with on the court, earning 11 All-Star appearances and two NBA MVP titles. Pettit’s prowess on the boards was unmatched, as he secured double-digit rebounds in every season of his career, including a remarkable 20.3 boards per game during the 1960-61 campaign. His impact extended to the postseason, where he averaged 14.8 rebounds across 88 appearances, including a staggering 16.5 during the Hawks’ championship run in the 1957-58 season.
Following closely behind Pettit is Bill Bridges, whose two-year overlap with the rebounding maestro showcased his own remarkable talents on the court. Despite not being originally selected by the Hawks, Bridges made his mark as a third-round pick, leaving a lasting legacy with three All-Star nods and a pair of NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors. Standing at 6-foot-6, Bridges defied the odds as an undersized power forward, averaging 11.9 rebounds per game over his career, including seven straight double-digit rebounding seasons during his tenure with the Hawks.
Kevin Willis, a standout player drafted by the Hawks in 1984, brought a new era of dominance to the team’s frontcourt, alongside the likes of Dominique Wilkins and Tree Rollins. Willis’ nine-franchise journey culminated in Atlanta, where he showcased his rebounding prowess alongside a solid scoring profile. The seven-footer was a model of consistency, averaging double-digit rebounds in his final three full seasons with the Hawks, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise’s rebounding legacy.
Tree Rollins, the towering 7-foot-1 center, rounded out the top 5 rebounders in Hawks history, utilizing his immense size to dominate the paint and mentor his teammates. While he never achieved a season with a double-digit rebounding average, Rollins’ shot-blocking prowess was second to none, ranking ninth in all-time blocks and averaging over 3.0 rejections per game in four separate seasons. His impact on the defensive end was a crucial component of the Hawks’ success, setting the stage for future generations of rebounders to follow in his footsteps.
As the curtain falls on this remarkable journey through the annals of Hawks history, one thing remains clear – the legacy of these rebounding giants will forever be etched in the hallowed halls of basketball lore. From Pettit to Bridges, Willis to Rollins, these titans of the boards have left an indelible mark on the game, showcasing their unparalleled skill and tenacity in the pursuit of greatness.