Important Note: This was generated with ChatGPT and was edited and revised lightly by myself, I did not do the work so don’t think I did, this was purely for my enjoyment and hopefully for yours too!
Alternate History: The St. Louis Hawks Stay Put (1968–Present) 🏀 Background (Pre-1968)
The St. Louis Hawks were a powerhouse in the late 1950s. With Hall of Famers like Bob Pettit, they won the 1958 NBA Championship and were regular contenders in the Western Division. However, ownership instability and arena issues led them to relocate to Atlanta in 1968.
🌀 What If They Stayed?
1968–1979: The Gritty Midwest Era Ownership Stability: In this timeline, Hawks owner Ben Kerner partners with local investors and commits to keeping the team in St. Louis, securing a long-term lease at the St. Louis Arena.
The "Big Man Era": The Hawks, like many teams of the '70s, build around rebounding and defense. They draft Dan Issel in 1970 instead of him going to the ABA Nuggets, pairing him with Lou Hudson. Playoff Relevance: They’re a mid-tier playoff team through most of the 1970s, often clashing with the Lakers, Bucks, and Bulls. The local rivalry with Chicago becomes intense.
Brand Identity: They adopt a “tough, blue-collar” Midwestern persona, similar to what the Pistons would later craft in Detroit.
1980–1989: The Dominique Question
1982 NBA Draft: In our timeline, the Hawks traded Dominique Wilkins to Atlanta. Here, they keep him, making him the face of the St. Louis Hawks.
The '80s Rivalries: St. Louis battles the Celtics, Pistons, and Bulls regularly. Dominique becomes a hometown hero, and the Hawks develop a strong regional following throughout the Midwest and South. Almost Contenders: Despite Wilkins’ brilliance, they can’t get past the East's dominant teams. They lose key playoff series to Boston (Bird vs. Wilkins duels remain legendary).
1990–1999: Gateway Grit Reinvention: The Hawks lean into defense and toughness. In this version, they draft Gary Payton in 1990 (instead of Seattle), building a defensive identity around him and trading for a veteran big like Dikembe Mutombo.
The 1994 Run: They reach the Eastern Conference Finals, only to lose to the Knicks in 7 hard-fought games. St. Louis is now a legitimate NBA city again.
New Arena: In 1996, they open the Gateway Arena—a 19,000-seat venue downtown, modernizing the franchise.
2000–2009: The Modernization Phase Player Development Powerhouse: The Hawks become known for strong scouting, drafting Luol Deng, Joe Johnson, and later Rajon Rondo, building strong defensive cores.
'04–'08 Playoff Streak: They’re a consistent second-round team but never break through the dominant Pistons, Heat, or Celtics.
Cultural Moment: Nelly becomes the team’s unofficial ambassador; the Hawks uniforms get a modern refresh with a red-arch motif. St. Louis embraces the team as a civic identity.
2010–2020: The Revival
2011 Draft: They select Kawhi Leonard instead of trading the pick—this changes everything.
Kawhi Era (2011–2019): Paired with a savvy front office and coach (let’s say they hire a young Nick Nurse-type), the Hawks become the Spurs of the Midwest—disciplined, low-key, and lethal.
2016 NBA Finals: The Hawks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in 6 games, denying LeBron another ring. Kawhi wins Finals MVP. It's the franchise's second title—and first in the modern era.
New National Identity: ESPN and TNT feature the Hawks more regularly. Kawhi jerseys sell out. The Gateway Arena becomes a fortress.
2020–Present: Post-Kawhi Rebuild
2020 Departure: Kawhi leaves for Los Angeles, but the Hawks’ culture and infrastructure are strong. Smart Rebuild: They draft Tyrese Haliburton and trade for a disgruntled star—Brandon Ingram, a Missouri native, returns home.
2024 Outlook: The Hawks are a 50+ win team again, with a smart front office and a passionate fanbase. Rivals include the Grizzlies, Bulls, and now the Pacers.
📍 Legacy & Cultural Impact Iconic Jersey Moments: The "Arch Wings" jersey becomes iconic—red and gold feathers wrapped around the arch motif.
St. Louis: A Sports Capital: With the Cardinals, Blues, and Hawks, St. Louis is a major three-sport city and viewed as a bastion of blue-collar sports passion. Hall of Fame Lineup: Bob Pettit, Dominique Wilkins, Dan Issel, Gary Payton, and Kawhi Leonard all make up the Mount Rushmore of Hawks legends.