PHOTOS: Atlanta Hawks unveil statue of legend Dominique Wilkins

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dominique-wilkins-608The “Human Highlight Film” was immortalized in Atlanta on Thursday. 

The Atlanta Hawks unveiled a 13.5 foot bronze statue of legend Dominique Wilkins at a private ceremony on Thursday afternoon, forever immortalizing the best player in their franchises history.

The statue was revealed in front of NBA commissioner Adam Silver, the Hawks current roster, and NBA legends Karl Malone, Clyde Drexler, Bernard King, Julius Erving and Charles Barkley. After the presentation of the statue, Wilkins addressed those in attendance. 

“We talk about being immortalized in your life,” Wilkins told the audience. “What bigger stage to stand on than to have a statue of you in front of the franchise and building that you love? I know nobody who loves this organization like I do … I bleed and breathe Hawks. Even when I played for other teams, I felt funny.”

The statue will be placed outside the main entrance of Phillips Arena, where Atlanta currently plays their home games. Brian Hanlon, the man who sculpted the figured, says Wilkins’ pose in the statue is an “anticipation of the dunk.” 

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Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird, whom Wilkins had an epic duel with in Game 7 of the 1988 Eastern Conference Semifinals, jokingly critiqued Wilkins’ defense during a video played at the ceremony which featured ‘Nique’s peers:

Dominique Wilkins played 11.5 seasons for the Hawks, averaging 26.4 and 6.9 rebounds per game during his time with the team. In addition to being an 11-time NBA All-Star, Wilkins is Atlanta’s all-time leader in points (23,292) and games played (882.) He’s held the position of vice president with the Hawks since 2004, and he currently serves as a commentator on their TV broadcasts. 

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