- 1946
- 1949
- 1950
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Tri-Cities Blackhawks Formation
Along the banks of the Mississippi River in the area known as tri-cities, where the cities of Moline, Illinois; Rock Island, Illinois; and Davenport, Iowa form a consolidation the newest franchise in the National Basketball League began to play after starting the season as the Buffalo Bisons for a few games, with General Manager Leo Ferris who was instrumental in ... -
Hire “Red” Auerbach
After losing their next six games Coach Roger Potter was fired and replaced by Arnold “Red” Auerbach. Under Auerbach, the Blackhawks would go on to finish in third place with a 29-35 record finishing in third place in the Western Division. IN the playoffs the Blackhawks would be knocked off by the Anderson Packers in a three-game series. Following the ... -
Cousy to the Chicago Stags
Following the season Auerbach would not renew his contract taking the coaching job with Boston Celtics where he would go on to build a dynasty, along with Bob Cousy who the Blackhawks would trade to the Chicago Stags shortly after the draft. Cousy who end up in Boston after the Stags folded prior to the start of the next season.
History of the Blackhawks
The Tri-Cities Blackhawks are one of the most storied franchises in NBA history. Founded in 1946, they were one of the original teams to join the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which would eventually become the National Basketball Association. The team was based in Moline, Illinois, and its surrounding area, hence their name – Tri-Cities Blackhawks.
In their first season as a BAA franchise, they finished with a record 23-41 and missed out on playoff contention by two games. Despite this slow start, however, over time, they became increasingly competitive under head coach Red Auerbach who coached them from 1947-1949 before leaving for Boston Celtics, where he found immense success, winning nine championships during his tenure there alone! In 1950 Chuck Guarman took over coaching duties for three seasons until 1953, when Paul Seymour replaced him at the helm leading them all way till 1955 when Fred Schaus assumed control till 1957, after which Bob Cousy came back once again to take reins from the 1958–1959 season bringing an end era that saw many highs lows but ultimately ended without any championship titles won unfortunately despite coming close multiple times throughout those years!
Despite not having much success on the court during the early days or even later ones too; Tri City’s legacy lives on through various other ways, such as being the home base for several iconic players like Hall Famers George Mikan, Earl Monroe, Nate Thurmond plus notable others like Dick Barnett Joe Caldwell Walt Bellamy just few mention here amongst many other names associated with this great organization's long-standing tradition excellence both past present-day alike making it genuinely unique part basketball lore always!
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
Blackhawks - The Tri-Cities Blackhawks have been a beloved NBA team since its inception in 1946. The team's name has an interesting origin story that many sports fans may not be aware of.
Initially, the franchise was known as the Milwaukee Hawks and was based out of Wisconsin. However, when they moved to Illinois in 1951, they changed their name to reflect their new location - hence why they became known as “the Tri-Cities Blackhawks” after three cities located along the Mississippi River: Rock Island (Illinois), Moline (Illinois) and Davenport (Iowa). It is said that this particular nickname was chosen due to its rich Native American heritage; it pays homage to Sauk Chief Black Hawk, who fought against US forces during a war in 1832 for control over land near these three towns.
In addition to paying tribute through its moniker, this basketball organization also honors Black Hawk by featuring his image on its logo, which includes feathers representing each city within its borders – Rock Island being represented by one feather while both Moline and Davenport are featured with two feathers each – all placed around a circular design including five stars symbolizing unity among them all despite being from different states geographically speaking. This iconic logo has become synonymous with great success for years, making it no surprise that many people continue supporting such a fantastic franchise!
Championship
NBA Championships 0
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
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.
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