Top 10 Atlanta Hawks of All-Time: Number 6

 

Dikembe Mutombo comes in at number 6 on the list, and if he spent his whole career in a Hawks uniform he would be way higher on this list. The finger wagging big man is one of the best rim protectors to ever play in the NBA. Period. It’s hard to say what’s longer, his 7’2″ frame or his full name: Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo. All jokes aside, Mutombo played for Atlanta from 1996-2001 and his presence was felt by opposing players. Over this span, the big man participated in 4 of his 8 All-Star appearances. He also led the league in rebounding twice with the Hawks. Mutombo was a walking double double every night despite not having the best offensive arsenal for a big man. He brought Atlanta their superstar they hadn’t had since they traded away Dominique Wilkins. He was a member of the All-NBA Third Team with the Hawks in 1998 and won 3 of his 4 Defensive Player of the Year Awards with the team. He made the All-NBA Defensive First Team three times with Atlanta (and the Second Team twice). Only Hakeem Olajuwon has more All-Time Blocks. Dikembe Mutombo’s don’t just come around. He is a top defender. Ever. Unfortunately the team traded him to Philadelphia in 2001. It’s a shame he didn’t spend more time in a Hawks uniform. You can still see Mutombo on TV and in the media, and he’s one of the more lovable personalities the game has seen.

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