Starting tomorrow, this will be in front of Philips to greet you as you enter.#TrueLegend pic.twitter.com/MX1lyMaIab
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) March 5, 2015
On March 5, 2015 the Atlanta Hawks immortalized Domnique Wilkins forever by unveiling a Dominique Wilkins statue outside Philips Arena. The granite sculpture of Wilkins soaring in the air for a slam dunk stands 13.5 feet tall and weighs more than 18,000 pounds.
As per Kevin Arnovitz of ESPN.com, Wilkins told the audience on hand for the private ceremony
"“We talk about being immortalized in your life,” “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.”"
Now a statue of Dominique Wilkins welcomes you to Philips Arena, which got the Daily Knicks thinking now that Wilkins is immortalized by a statue, should any Knick be? Who should be greeting us at Madison Square Garden?
Now in front of Philips. #TrueLegend pic.twitter.com/XmG8TcP9s9
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) March 6, 2015
The base of the statue reads
JACQUES DOMINIQUE “NIQUE” WILKINS
The Human Highlight Film
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall-of-Famer
Atlanta Hawks All-Time Leading Scorer
Nine-Time NBA All-Star
Seven-Time All-NBA
Two-Time NBA Slam Dunk Champion
Jersey No. 21 Retired
1985-1986 NBA Scoring Leader (30.3ppg)
26,668 Career Points
The base of the statue.#TrueLegend pic.twitter.com/3OIC1Fawyy
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) March 6, 2015
Next: Should Any New York Knickerbocker Be Immortalized?