Lou Hudson Retired Jersey Number Ten
Sweet Lou: Six-time All-Star, Hawks legend, and the first to score for Atlanta.
Lou Hudson's #10 jersey was retired by the Atlanta Hawks. Hudson was a six-time NBA All-Star who scored 17,940 points in 13 seasons.
Quick Facts
- Player name
- Lou Hudson
- Jersey number
- 10
- Primary team
- Atlanta Hawks
- Hall of fame status
- Inducted 1985
- Retirement year
- 2014
- Nickname
- The Smooth Shooter
Lore & Background
Louis Clyde Hudson ("Sweet Lou") was born July 11, 1944, and died April 11, 2014. He played for the St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks from 1966 to 1977 and for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1977 to 1979. Hudson scored the first-ever basket for the Atlanta Hawks after the team moved from St. Louis. He was a six-time All-Star, all with the Hawks. His jersey number has been retired by both the Atlanta Hawks and the University of Minnesota.
Reader's Guide
Hudson was selected 4th overall in the 1966 NBA draft by the St. Louis Hawks. He was named to the 1967 NBA All-Rookie Team. He averaged at least 24 points per game for five consecutive seasons starting in 1969–70. His career high was 57 points against the Chicago Bulls on November 10, 1969. He averaged 20.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game over 890 career games.
Did You Know?
- Hudson was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys as a wide receiver in the 1966 NFL draft.
- He broke his right hand as a senior at Minnesota and played left-handed with his right hand in a cast.
- Hudson and Pete Maravich became only the second set of teammates in NBA history to each score over 2,000 points in a single season (1972–73).
- He appeared in the basketball movie The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh in 1979.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lou Hudson and why is his number retired?
He was a cornerstone scorer for the franchise during its transition from St. Louis to Atlanta. His jersey number ten is retired in honor of his prolific career and beloved status among fans.
When was number 10 officially retired by the Hawks?
The team raised Hudson's banner at Philips Arena on November 23, 2014. This event marked a formal recognition of his contributions to the club's history.
What nickname did Lou Hudson have during his career?
He was affectionately known as The Smooth Shooter for his graceful playing style. This title reflected the skill and elegance he brought to NBA basketball in that era.
Was Lou Hudson inducted into the Hall of Fame?
Yes, he received induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame back in 1985. This honor preceded the retirement of his jersey number by nearly thirty years.
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