In the world of the NBA, Dominique Wilkins stands as tall as the ‘Human Highlight Film’, a moniker that the legend earned through his dunks and scoring prowess. The 9x All-Star and Hall of Famer etched his name in the history of the Atlanta Hawks, becoming the franchise’s all-time leading scorer with 23,292 points. Yet, the trajectory of his illustrious career hinged on a pivotal moment.

Wilkins’ journey to Atlanta began with the 1982 NBA Draft, where the Utah Jazz selected him as the third-overall pick. In a recent podcast, the former NBA All-Star shed light on the drama that unfolded during his rookie season. “I wasn’t going… I’m not going to Utah. And then they told me I’ll be playing power forward, I’m like y’all out of mind at 210, 215, not me,” said Wilkins during the “All the Smoke” podcast. The team later traded him to the Atlanta Hawks. In the exchange came John Drew and Freeman Williams and a million dollars.

Surprisingly, this deal turned out to be a boon for the team. In 1982, the Jazz had some good players like Adrian Dantley, Rickey Green, and Darrell Griffith. However, still, they were the worst team in the league. “At that time, they were struggling, Utah, to make payrolls,” stated the former small forward. The team was financially struggling, and the $1 million helped them to get going until they got a new owner.

However, there was another reason that the given by Wilkins for not wanting to go to Atlanta. “I did not want to go to Utah at that time when I got picked. I wanted to stay in Atlanta,” said Wilkins while talking to VladTv (via Baseball Network.) He had formed a social connection with his childhood place. Although he was born in France, the Hawks legend had spent most of his time growing up in Georgia, where he had also gone to school. He also recalled the time he had with another NBA legend, Magic Johnson, in his town. He didn’t want to leave all that. So the trade was fruitful both for the Jazz and Wilkins.

As Wilkins’ story shows, sometimes the most impactful moves in sports are the ones that don’t happen. His refusal to play for Utah set in motion a chain of events that not only defined his career but also left an indelible mark on two franchises and the entire NBA. However, his iconic stint with the Hawks would have never happened if Wilkins did not get help.

Hank Aaron’s great role in bringing Dominique Wilkins to the Atlanta Hawks

When the Atlanta Hawks acquired Dominique Wilkins, few knew of baseball legend Hank Aaron’s crucial behind-the-scenes role in the transaction. Aaron used his influence and orchestrated one of the most significant trades in NBA history.

Aaron’s involvement began when he learned that Wilkins, drafted third overall by the Utah Jazz, was reluctant to play in Salt Lake City. He, along with Mike Garon Senor, convinced the then-owner of the Hawks, Ted Turner, to get Hall of Famer in the team no matter what. “He (Hank Aaron) said if you can trade to get him trade everybody you can,” said Wilkins in the latest podcast. For the rest of Wilkin’s career, he was obliged to Aaron’s efforts, and he never left his side till his death in 2021.

This Aaron’s foresight paid dividends as Wilkins became the Hawks’ all-time leading scorer and a 9x All-Star. This move not only transformed the Hawks but also gave Wilkins his big breakthrough.

“Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.”