A ladder was set up Tuesday morning in the House chamber for the annual class photo of the members. Unfortunately for some lawmakers, it was gone by the time the towering Dominique Wilkins arrived.
Lawmakers gave the Atlanta Hawks legend, team CEO Steve Koonin and vice president David Lee a standing ovation Tuesday as the streaking hoops squad has captivated the state.
“This is the most fun I’ve had in a very long time,” Wilkins, whom Koonin called the greatest Hawk ever, said.
The Hawks have won 16 straight games, which Koonin said is a record for any pro team in Georgia.
“As a Georgia native this is a career highlight,” Koonin told legislators. “Truly, a great honor for the Atlanta Hawks. We are humbled and we are honored to be here today. The Atlanta Hawks have become Georgia’s team.”
After visiting the Senate, Wilkins was later to be joined by current players Kyle Korver, Elton Brand and coach Mike Budenholzer for photographs.
It wasn’t all mutual fan appreciation. Koonin told legislators that the Hawks’ home, Phillips Arena, is an economic engine for the state.
“We are the No. 1 venue in the Southeast, we are the No. 4 arena in the United States,” he said. “Phillip Arena is the No. 10 venue in the entire world.”
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