Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks are part of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the NBA. The franchise was formed in 1946 as the National Basketball League’s Buffalo Bisons. Over the years the Hawks have changed their name a number of time. After the Buffalo Bisons (1946) the became Tri-Cities Blackhawks (1946–1951), then the Milwaukee Hawks (1951–1955) followed by the St. Louis Hawks (1955–1968) and finally the Atlanta Hawks (1968–present).

Atlanta made the 2010 NBA Playoffs and in the 1st round against the Milwaukee Bucks they won 102-92 in front of a sold out crowd at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeat the Milwaukee Bucks in game seven of the series, advancing to the 2nd round against the Orlando Magic. However, like the previous year, after winning a hard-fought 7th game, they lose in a four game sweep. They have yet to advance past the Conference Semifinals since moving to Atlanta in 1968.

During the 2010 offseason, assistant coach Larry Drew is named the new head coach of the Hawks, replacing Mike Woodson. The Hawks also resigned Joe Johnson to 6-year contract worth $119 million.