Tri-Cities Blackhawks
The short-lived Tri-Cities Blackhawks, born from the Buffalo Bisons, were an early NBA franchise that briefly featured Red Auerbach as coach.
The Tri-Cities Blackhawks were a professional basketball team based in Moline, Illinois, as part of the Tri-Cities area. They were originally the Buffalo Bisons, founded in 1946 in Buffalo, New York, as a member of the National Basketball League (NBL). After 38 days, the team moved to Moline and was renamed the Tri-Cities Blackhawks. In 1949, they joined the NBA as part of the merger between the NBL and the Basketball Association of America (BAA). The team briefly had Red Auerbach as coach. In 1951, the franchise moved to Milwaukee and became the Milwaukee Hawks.
Quick Facts
- Conference
- Eastern
- Division
- Southeast
- Founded
- 1946
- Arena
- State Farm Arena
- Location
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Sponsor
- Paze
- Owner
- Tony Ressler
- Coach
- Quin Snyder
Lore & Background
The Tri-Cities Blackhawks originated from the Buffalo Bisons, which played only 38 days in Buffalo before relocating. The team featured guard/forward and coach Nat Hickey, and was owned by Leo Ferris and Ben Kerner. William 'Pop' Gates, one of the first two African-American players in the NBL, remained on the Blackhawks roster and finished second in scoring behind Don Otten. The Blackhawks reached the playoffs in the NBA's inaugural year under the leadership of coach Red Auerbach, though Auerbach coached only part of the 1949–50 season and was replaced after 28 games. The team drafted three-time All-American Bob Cousy but traded him to the Chicago Stags.
Reader's Guide
The Tri-Cities Blackhawks played their home games at Wharton Field House, a 6,000-seat arena in Moline. The team was also referred to as the Tri-City Blackhawks and Quad-City Blackhawks. After the 1949–50 season, the franchise moved to Milwaukee, becoming the Milwaukee Hawks.
Franchise Origins and Early Relocations
The lineage of the Atlanta Hawks begins with the Buffalo Bisons, an NBL franchise established in 1946 by Ben Kerner and Leo Ferris. Despite a promising inaugural victory over the Syracuse Nationals, the team struggled financially in Buffalo, failing to meet attendance requirements after just 38 days. Consequently, the organization relocated to Moline, Illinois, renaming themselves the Tri-Cities Blackhawks. Playing at Wharton Field House, this iteration included historic figures like William "Pop" Gates, one of the league's first African-American players and later its first Black coach in a major sport. In 1949, the Blackhawks joined the newly formed NBA following the merger with the BAA, briefly coached by Red Auerbach. However, the small market proved unsustainable for professional basketball, leading to another move in 1951 to Milwaukee.
The St. Louis Championship Era
After a brief stint in Milwaukee, ownership Ben Kerner moved the franchise to St. Louis in 1955, where the team achieved its greatest historical success. This era was defined by the arrival of Bob Pettit, who became the league's first official MVP in 1956. Although the Hawks famously drafted Bill Russell only to trade him to their arch-rivals, the Boston Celtics, they built a formidable roster that challenged for supremacy throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s. The St. Louis Hawks made four consecutive trips to the NBA Finals between 1957 and 1961, facing the Celtics in every series. Their crowning achievement came in 1958 when they avenged a previous loss to Boston, winning the franchise's first and only NBA championship with a 4–2 series victory.
The Atlanta Relocation and Long Drought
In May 1968, the franchise underwent its final relocation, moving from St. Louis to Atlanta under new ownership led by Thomas Cousins and former Governor Carl Sanders. This transition marked the beginning of a prolonged period of championship futility; the team has not won an NBA title in 67 seasons, holding the second-longest drought behind only the Sacramento Kings. Furthermore, for nearly five decades following their move, the Hawks failed to advance past the second round of the playoffs until finally breaking through in 2015. Despite these struggles, the franchise demonstrated resilience in the 21st century by securing playoff berths for ten consecutive seasons from 2008 to 2017, a feat achieved by only four teams during that era.
Modern Draft History and Future Outlook
As the franchise continues its evolution in Atlanta, playing home games at State Farm Arena, it has recently looked toward the future through significant draft capital. In the 2024 NBA draft, the Hawks utilized their first overall pick to select Zaccharie Risacher, marking a pivotal moment as this was their highest selection since 1975. This decision underscores the organization's ongoing efforts to rebuild and compete under current ownership, which includes billionaire James Cox Chambers. While the team remains defined by its historic championship in St. Louis, the selection of a top-tier international prospect signals a renewed commitment to developing young talent and potentially ending their long-standing title drought.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the story of the Tri-Cities Blackhawks end?
The team ceased operations in Moline after the 1950-1951 season when ownership moved the franchise to Milwaukee. This relocation marked the official end of the 'Blackhawks' era as the club evolved into a new identity.
Who was a notable player for the Tri-Cities Blackhawks?
Guard Slater Martin stands out as one of the most significant players from this early period, contributing to the team's on-court performance during its five-year run in Illinois. His career with Moline highlights the talent that helped build the franchise's initial reputation.
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