Former player Dominique Wilkins, now the team’s Vice President of Basketball, says it’s the first time in his 30-year history with the team that the franchise has been honored by the Legislature.
“I don’t think guys really know how big this honor is to have a resolution by the state of Georgia recognizing your hard work and their appreciation of your organization; this is huge,” he tells WSB’s Sandar Parrish.
CEO Steven Koonin says the 16-game win is not only a record for the Hawks, but for any Atlanta sports team.
He says since the winning streak began, the team has experienced the fastest growing attendance in the NBA and television ratings have seen a 70 percent increase over a year ago.
“The recognition of the accomplishments should really go to our fans; from LaGrange to Macon to Ellijay, the Atlanta Hawks have become Georgia’s team,” he told lawmakers.
Koonin says the success of the team shows it has overcome last fall’s scandal over a controversial email involving owner Bruce Levenson and General Manager Danny Ferry.
While Levenson’s ownership is still up for sale, Koonin would not say if the value of the team has increased with its latest winning streak.
“I don’t think anybody will buy a team based on wins and losses because those change year to year; but I think they’re seeing how well the organization and how well this city can embrace us,” he says.
When asked if he was still interested in buying the team, Wilkins replied, “I’m always interested… that’s all I can give you right now.”