Atlanta Hawks legend and NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins has been named as Special Advisor to team CEO Steve Koonin. Wilkins signed a long-term contract and will also continue his team role as Vice President of Basketball. The news comes on the heels of the Hawks officially announcing that a statue of Wilkins will be erected outside of Philips Arena on March 5 as part of the 15th anniversary of the facility.
The Hawks have made a point of emphasizing diversity after the recent controversy surrounding the team. As we previously reported, Hawks general manager Danny Ferry took an indefinite leave of absence following his racially insensitive comments about then free agent Luol Deng, who eventually signed with the Miami Heat. This followed Hawks co-owner Bruce Levenson announcing that he’d sell his controlling share of the team following the release of his racially inflammatory comments in an email to Ferry and the team’s other owners.
“There is no player more deserving of such an honor than Dominique for his continued commitment to the Hawks and the City of Atlanta,” Koonin said in a statement. “Beyond his amazing play on the court during his Hall-of-Fame career, he has been an ambassador for this franchise and the city for three decades. For all he has accomplished and continues to do for the Hawks franchise and the City of Atlanta, we are proud to bestow this permanent recognition of his legacy.”
Ferry has received support from many people around the league, including Tim Duncan, former Cavs coach Mike Brown and NBA legend Magic Johnson, who had previously called for Ferry to resign.
Just had a heart to heart meeting w/ Hawks GM Danny Ferry! He apologized for his comments about Luol Deng & the African American community.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 23, 2014
In our meeting Danny Ferry’s apology was very sincere.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 23, 2014
I have a lot of respect for Danny because he called and wanted to talk about how his comments offended so many people.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 23, 2014
After our long meeting, I think he deserves a second chance whether it is with the Hawks or another team.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 23, 2014
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