Hawks legend, Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins turns 59

It's been nearly 25 years since the Hawks traded franchise great Dominique Wilkins to the Clippers. But Wilkins would later return to the franchise in a different capacity and is still beloved by fans and members of the franchise to this day. (AJC file photo/Curtis Compton)

Wilkins would eventually return to Atlanta and has become the face of the franchise - and his career ended nearly 20 years ago. (AJC file photo/Curtis Compton)

On February 24, 1994, the Hawks traded franchise-great Dominique Wilkins and a first-round draft pick to the L.A. Clippers for Danny Manning. (AJC file photo)

Danny Manning played just 26 games for the Hawks. He averaged 15.7 points per game and 6.5 rebounds.

Dominique Wilkins reflects just before being traded to the Clippers. Wilkins finished the season with L.A., playing 25 games and averaging 29.1 points and 7.0 rebounds.

The Hawks were 36-16 and tied for the Central Division lead when the trade was made. They eventually won 57 games that season.

Wilkins was averaging 24.4 points per game before the trade, Manning was scoring 23.7 points a game.

Manning was seven years younger than the 34-year-old Wilkins. Both Wilkins and Manning became unrestricted free agents after the season.

Wilkins was sixth in the NBA in scoring at the time of the trade. Manning was seventh.

Wilkins was the Hawks’ leading scorer when the deal was made at the trade deadline.

Dominique Wilkins lays up a shot for two of his 43 points in a game against the Indiana Pacers.

Danny Manning led Kansas to the NCAA title in 1988 but was hampered by injuries as a pro.

After his short stay in Atlanta, Manning signed with the Phoenix Suns as a free agent.

Wilkins signed with the Celtics as a free agent in the offseason after his brief tenure with the Clippers.

Boston's Dominique Wilkins chats with the Hawks' Mookie Blaylock on the court.

Dominique Wilkins looked out of place wearing other uniforms, like the Clippers, Celtics, Spurs and Magic.

Dominique Wilkins remained a beloved figure in Atlanta and had has jersey raised to the rafters of Philips Arena at the end of his playing career. (AJC file photo)

Wilkins was inducted into the basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. He averaged above 20 points per game for 11 consecutive seasons with the Hawks.

The Atlanta Hawks unveiled a large statue of Dominique Wilkins in 2015 at Philips Arena. Measuring 13½ feet in height, the granite statue was unveiled at a private luncheon and ceremony on the arena floor. (AJC file photo)

Dominique Wilkins speaks after the unveiling of his statue in 2015. (AJC file photo)

The hardwood is covered with a digital tribute to Hawks all-time leading scorer Dominique Wilkins on "Dominique Wilkins Night" in March of 2015. (AJC file photo/Curtis Compton)

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It's been nearly 25 years since the Hawks traded franchise great Dominique Wilkins to the Clippers. But Wilkins would later return to the franchise in a different capacity and is still beloved by fans and members of the franchise to this day. (AJC file photo/Curtis Compton)

By The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Jan 12, 2019

Atlanta Hawks legend and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins celebrates his 59th birthday Jan. 12.

For his 59th birthday, a reminder that Dominique Wilkins could fly. pic.twitter.com/JWZG7lAXkZ
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 12, 2019

Wilkins’ 23,292 points are the most in Hawks’ franchise history and his career total of 26,668 lands 13th on the all-time scoring list.

Wilkins, nicknamed The Human Highlight Film, was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2006 and has had his statue outside of the franchise’s home facility (now State Farm Arena) since 2015.

🎉RT to join us in wishing the Human Highlight Reel a Happy Birthday!🎉#TrueToAtlanta x @DWilkins21 pic.twitter.com/uVnpJpx2eD
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 12, 2019

Join us in wishing a Happy 59th Birthday to 9x #NBAAllStar, 2006 @Hoophall inductee and the @ATLHawks all-time leading scorer, @DWilkins21! #NBABDAY pic.twitter.com/zUFHhxwZl1
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) January 12, 2019

About the Author

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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Hawks legend, Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins turns 59

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