The St. Louis Hawks history stands out as a defining era in the NBA. From 1955 to 1968, the team thrilled fans with remarkable performances and memorable seasons. Known for their fierce style of play, the St. Louis Hawks basketball team produced stars, championships, and a legacy that shaped the league’s growth and success during that time.
Established
1946
City
Tri-Cities - Milwaukee - St. Louis - Atlanta
League History
1949 – Present / National Basketball Association
1946 – 1949 / National Basketball League
Team History
1968 – Present / Atlanta Hawks
1955 – 1968 / St. Louis Hawks
1951 – 1955 / Milwaukee Hawks
1946 – 1951 / Tri-Cities Blackhawks
Nickname
Hawks - The St. Louis Hawks are one of the most iconic teams in NBA history, and their nickname has an interesting origin story. The team was founded in 1946 as the Tri-Cities Blackhawks, referencing the three cities that made up its original home base: Moline and Rock Island, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa.
St. Louis Hawks Origin
However, when they relocated to Milwaukee for two seasons (1951-53), they changed their name to "Hawks" to honor Black Hawk—the leader of a Native American tribe who had lived in what is now southern Wisconsin during the early 19th century. This new moniker stuck with them even after moving again to St. Louis in 1955, where it remains today despite several other relocations throughout their long history, including Atlanta (1968) and San Diego (1972).
For any sports fan looking for insight into this beloved franchise’s past or wanting something cool trivia knowledge about one of basketball's most significant legacies - look no further than to understand why they were initially called “Hawks!”
Championship
NBA Championships 1
1958
Arena
2019 - Present / State Farm Arena
1999 - 2018 / Philips Arena
1997 – 1999 / Georgia Dome & Alexander Memorial Coliseum
1972 – 1997 / The Omni
1968 – 1972 / Alexander Memorial Coliseum
*St. Louis*
1955 – 1968 / Kiel Auditorium
*Milwaukee*
1951 – 1955 / Milwaukee Arena
*Moline*
1946 – 1951 / Wharton Field House
Owner
2015 – Present / Tony Ressler
2004 – 2015 / Atlanta Spirit, LLC
1977 – 2004 / Ted Turner/Turner Broadcasting
1968 – 1976 / Tom Cousins/Cousins Corporation, Carl Sanders
1946 – 1968 / Ben Kerner
- 1955
- 1958
- 1958
- 1968
-
Gateway City Here We Come
After four last-place seasons in Milwaukee, the Hawks arrived in St. Louis, who had once been home to the Bombers an early BAA franchise that folded in 1950 and were on the verge of becoming one of the top teams in the NBA with second-year Forward Bob Pettit. In their first season in the Gateway City, Pettit would earn the ... -
NBA Championship
Coming off their trip to the NBA Finals the Hawks were flying high taking the Western Division by eight games with a solid 41-31 record as they played a strong ball control game with Bob Pettit ranking third in scoring and second in rebounding. In the Western Finals, the Hawks would have no problem with Detroit Pistons taking the series ... -
Coach Alex Hannum was Replaced
Despite winning the NBA Championship Coach Alex Hannum was replaced by Andy Phillip, who would only last two games before being replaced by Ed Macauley. The Hawks would also make changes to the team acquiring Clyde Lovellette from the Cincinnati Royals. The Hawks would go on to win the Western Division easily with a solid 49-23 record as Bob Pettit ... -
Best Season in St. Louis
With Zelmo Beaty and Lenny Wilkens averaging more the 20 ppg, the Hawks had their finest season in St. Louis posting a 56-26 record and finishing in first place. However, in the playoffs, the Hawks would be stunned in the first round by the San Francisco Warriors in six games. Following the season St. Louis fans would be further stunned ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
St. Louis Hawks History
The St. Louis Hawks, formerly the Milwaukee Hawks, were a professional basketball team based in St. Louis, Missouri, from 1955 to 1968. This franchise was a key part of the NBA’s early years and is remembered for its exciting style and dominance during the late 1950s. You can read more about their full history on the St. Louis Hawks Wikipedia page.
The St. Louis Hawks basketball journey began when the team moved from Milwaukee in 1955 and quickly rose to prominence. Between 1957 and 1961, they reached the NBA Finals four times, becoming one of the league’s strongest teams of that era. Led by Bob Pettit, the Hawks defeated the Boston Celtics in 1958 to claim their only NBA Championship.
This period of success was driven by Hall of Fame players including Bob Pettit, Cliff Hagan, Slater Martin, Lenny Wilkens, Clyde Lovellette, and Richie Guerin. Under coach Alex Hannum, the St. Louis Hawks developed into a consistent playoff contender, often battling the Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers in intense postseason matchups.
Hawks Achievements
By the mid-1960s, ownership changes and roster moves brought young stars like Lou Hudson and Zelmo Beaty to the team. Despite flashes of talent, the Hawks could not replicate their earlier success. In 1968, the franchise was relocated to Atlanta, marking the end of the St. Louis Hawks basketball era. The team later evolved into what is now the Atlanta Hawks.
During their St. Louis tenure, the Hawks achieved one NBA Championship (1958), four NBA Finals appearances, and multiple division titles, cementing their place in basketball history. This championship run remains one of the most celebrated achievements in St. Louis sports.
Even after relocation, the legacy of the St. Louis Hawks lives on. Fans still recall their thrilling playoff runs, Hall of Fame rosters, and how the franchise helped shape the modern NBA. The city’s golden basketball era produced memories and records that remain unmatched in St. Louis professional hoops history.
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Retired Number
9 / Bob Pettit
21 / Dominique Wilkins
23 / Lou Hudson
44 / Pete Maravich
55 / Dikembe Mutombo
59 / Kasim Reed
– / Ted Turner
*Blue is this team’s history
