Atlanta Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins is known as one of the most electrifying players in NBA history. To this day, his presence is felt by fans in and around Phillips Arena.
However, there are even times where “The Human Highlight Reel” ponders what could have been. Wilkins was initially drafted by the Utah Jazz before being traded in one of the most lopsided deals in league history. According to Eric Woodyard of Deseret News, he feels he definitely would have won titles with NBA Hall of Famers Karl Malone and John Stockton had he stayed in Utah:
“Playing with Stockton and Malone, we probably could’ve won a few championships,” Wilkins said. “Not probably, we would’ve, but again, things happen in life for a reason, and you’ve got to take what cards are dealt, but coming to Atlanta was a blessing for me, and I’ve never left.”
The Jazz selected Wilkins with the third overall pick in the 1982 NBA Draft before trading him to the Hawks in exchange for John Drew, Freeman Williams and $1 million in cash. He went on to enjoy an accomplished career in Atlanta, earning nine straight All-Star selections while winning the NBA's Slam Dunk Contest twice. However, he never came close to sniffing a championship with the Hawks.
Meanwhile, the Jazz went on to acquire two their franchise's most legendary players just three years later. They would become one of the league's most dynamic duos en route to two Finals appearances.
With hindsight being 20/20, it is easy to see how much better Utah could have potentially been. A Big 3 of Stockton, Wilkins, and Malone in their prime would have surely managed to win at least one championship. Instead, Wilkins and Jazz fans alike are left in a “what if” scenario.
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