The Tri-Cities Blackhawks, who subsequently became the Atlanta Hawks, were originally known as the Buffalo Bisons when they were created in 1946. They permanently relocated to Atlanta in 1968, adopting the moniker Atlanta Hawks.

The Atlanta Hawks experienced their first major triumph in 1958 thanks to standout player Bob Pettit, who managed to win the NBA tournament. They play the Boston Celtics in another final in 1960 with Bob Pettit by their side, but they fall short this time.

The Hawks made a number of playoff appearances in the 1970s, but they were never able to claim the championship. Pete Maravich, Lou Hudson, and Dominique Wilkins are just a few of the best stars the team has produced.

Atlanta Hawks player Dominique Wilkins led his team to three straight division titles in the 1980s and 1990s, but despite these victories, the Hawks' sole NBA championship came in 1958.

The Hawks had their ups and downs in the 2000s, but they also had a few good seasons, making the playoffs on many occasions. The Hawks had their best season in a long time in 2014–15, finishing with a 60–22 record and making it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. Unfortunately, the Cleveland Cavaliers eliminated them.

Stars like Trae Young have helped the squad in more recent years, and they have led them to multiple postseason berths. The Hawks shocked many in 2021 by winning the Eastern Conference Finals, making it to the NBA Finals, and losing to the Milwaukee Bucks there.

The Black Hawk Indian chief of the Sauk and Fox tribes, who battled the United States in the War of 1831, is the source of the name.