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History of the Milwaukee Hawks
The Milwaukee Hawks represented Milwaukee in the National Basketball Association from 1951 to 1955. Although the franchise spent only four seasons in Wisconsin, it played a pivotal role in the evolution of what is now the Atlanta Hawks. During their time in Milwaukee, the Hawks rebuilt their roster, drafted future Hall of Famer Bob Pettit, and laid the groundwork for the franchise's eventual NBA championship in St. Louis.
Origins of the Franchise
The franchise began as the Buffalo Bisons in the National Basketball League (NBL) during the 1946–47 season.
After only 13 games, owner Ben Kerner relocated the team to the Quad Cities, where it became the Tri-Cities Blackhawks.
When the National Basketball League merged with the Basketball Association of America (BAA) in 1949 to form the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Blackhawks became one of the league's original franchises.
Seeking a larger market, Kerner moved the team to Milwaukee following the 1950–51 season.
Basketball Comes to Milwaukee
The Hawks debuted in Milwaukee for the 1951–52 NBA season.
Home games were played at the Milwaukee Arena, one of Wisconsin's premier sports venues.
Milwaukee already had a strong basketball tradition through successful collegiate and amateur programs, making it an attractive destination for the growing NBA.
Although attendance improved compared to the Tri-Cities, victories remained difficult to achieve as the Hawks continued rebuilding.
Developing Young Talent
The Milwaukee Hawks focused on building a competitive roster through young players and the NBA Draft.
Key contributors during this period included:
- Frankie Brian – One of the NBA's top scorers during the early 1950s.
- Fred Schaus – Versatile forward who later became a successful NBA coach and executive.
- Don Sunderlage – Promising rookie and former collegiate standout from Illinois.
- Jack Coleman – Reliable forward and one of the team's consistent contributors.
While competitive, the Hawks struggled to contend with the league's elite teams.
The Arrival of Bob Pettit
The defining moment of the Milwaukee Hawks era came during the 1954 NBA Draft.
Holding the second overall selection, the Hawks drafted Bob Pettit from Louisiana State University (LSU).
Pettit immediately established himself as one of the NBA's brightest stars.
During his rookie season (1954–55), he averaged over 20 points and 13 rebounds per game while earning the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
Pettit would go on to become:
- Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player
- Eleven-time NBA All-Star
- NBA scoring champion
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee
He remains the greatest player in Hawks franchise history.
Move to St. Louis
Despite Pettit's emergence as a superstar, owner Ben Kerner believed another relocation would provide greater long-term financial stability.
Following the 1954–55 season, the franchise moved to St. Louis, Missouri, becoming the St. Louis Hawks.
The move proved successful almost immediately.
Championship Success
The core assembled during the Milwaukee years blossomed after the relocation.
Bob Pettit was joined by Hall of Fame teammates including:
- Cliff Hagan
- Ed Macauley
- Slater Martin
The Hawks reached four NBA Finals during the late 1950s.
In 1958, they defeated the Boston Celtics to capture the franchise's only NBA championship.
Milwaukee's Return to the NBA
Although the Hawks departed in 1955, Milwaukee remained an excellent basketball market.
In 1968, the NBA awarded the city an expansion franchise, the Milwaukee Bucks.
Only three seasons later, led by Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and Oscar Robertson, the Bucks won the 1971 NBA Championship.
Legacy
The Milwaukee Hawks existed for only four seasons, but they represented one of the most important transitional periods in franchise history.
The selection of Bob Pettit transformed the organization into a future championship contender, while the move to Milwaukee demonstrated the NBA's continued search for stable markets during its early years.
Although the Hawks never reached the NBA Finals while playing in Wisconsin, the foundation built there eventually produced the championship-winning St. Louis Hawks and continues today through the Atlanta Hawks.
Milwaukee Hawks Timeline
| Year |
Event |
| 1946 |
Franchise begins as the Buffalo Bisons (NBL). |
| 1946 |
Relocates to become the Tri-Cities Blackhawks. |
| 1949 |
Becomes an original NBA franchise following the BAA-NBL merger. |
| 1951 |
Moves to Milwaukee and becomes the Milwaukee Hawks. |
| 1954 |
Drafts Bob Pettit with the second overall pick. |
| 1955 |
Relocates to St. Louis. |
| 1958 |
Wins the NBA Championship as the St. Louis Hawks. |
| 1968 |
Franchise relocates to Atlanta. |
Notable Players
- Bob Pettit
- Frankie Brian
- Fred Schaus
- Don Sunderlage
- Jack Coleman
- Whitey Skoog
Notable Coaches
- Red Holzman
- Ben Kerner (Owner)
Historical Significance
The Milwaukee Hawks represent an important chapter in NBA history. They bridged the gap between the franchise's early years in the Tri-Cities and its championship success in St. Louis. The drafting of Bob Pettit during the Hawks' final season in Milwaukee forever changed the direction of the organization.
Although often overshadowed by the later success of the St. Louis Hawks and today's Atlanta Hawks, the Milwaukee years were essential in shaping the franchise's future. They also helped demonstrate Milwaukee's passion for professional basketball, paving the way for the arrival of the Milwaukee Bucks and another successful era of NBA basketball in Wisconsin.
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