Milwaukee Hawks

1951/52:Upon moving from Tri-Cities to Milwaukee, the team shortens its nickname from Blackhawks to Hawks. Playing in the larger Milwaukee Arena better known as The Mecca, the Hawks played lackluster basketball, posting a horrid league worse 17-49 record, with Mel Hutchins, who tied for second in rebounding with 13.3 boards per game the team’s lone highlight.

1952/53:Despite winning ten more games, the Hawks continued to dwell in the last place in the Western Division posting a record of 27-44.

1953/54:The Hawks continued to flutter in last place as they finished 19 games out of third place while posting a terrible record of 21-51. As the season wound down, William “Red” Holzman was hired as the team’s new coach replacing Andrew Levane.

1954/55:The Hawks finally got a superstar in Bob Pettit, who was drafted out of Louisiana State. In his first season, Pettit would earn Rookie of the Year honors while finishing fourth in scoring a 20.4 ppg. However, it would not be enough to lift the Hawks out of last place as they posted a record of 26-46. Following the season, Owner Ben Kerner announced he was moving the team to St. Louis after four last-place seasons in Milwaukee.

1955-1968:The city of Milwaukee get another shot at the NBA 13 years later when they were awarded an expansion team named the Bucks in 1968. The Bucks would be an instant hit winning the NBA title in just their third year.