After many long years of waiting, the owner of the Atlanta Hawks called for a celebration.

After many long years of waiting, the owner of the Atlanta Hawks called for a celebration.

Madison Square Garden. Staples Center. Garden of Old Boston.

Throughout his 19-year NBA career, Grant Hill played on some of the most intimidating home courts.

The Hall of Famer, nevertheless, claims that nothing compares to the scene at State Farm Arena during the Atlanta Hawks’ postseason run.

“Maybe I’ve never seen an NBA arena quite like that.” The excitement, passion, joy, and celebration of the occasion created an incredibly amazing atmosphere. I’ve been a part of it since 1994, having played professionally, worked in television, seen [other venues], sensed it, and was surrounded by Hawks supporters. It was a celebration.

It was not easy for Hill and the Hawks ownership group, which was led by Tony Ressler, to endure the three-year playoff hiatus and the meticulous reconstruction. But the team had its finest season since moving to Atlanta in 1968, and this season’s run—which was ignited by an unlikely midseason comeback—made it all worthwhile.

Vice-chair Hill admitted that there were moments during the playoffs when he had to stop and process everything.

“I look forward to having more experiences like that moving forward.”

Recently, the Atlanta Business Chronicle spoke with Hill, a former seven-time NBA All-Star who is now a businessman and an analyst for Turner Sports in addition to serving on the NCAA board of governors. The following are quotes from the discussion:

Grant Hillexpand
At the Cities for Tomorrow conference in New Orleans on December 7, 2018, from left, Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner, Grant Hill of the Atlanta Hawks, and Marc Lacey, national editor of The New York Times, speak

I have a question for you on longtime Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, who will retire following the current season, before we talk Hawks. What would it be like without Coach K watching from the sidelines?

It will be out of the ordinary. We’ve grown so used to him participating in the Duke program and watching from the sidelines. He has been there for the past forty years. It’s going to be difficult because, in my opinion, he contributed to college basketball’s rise in popularity. Furthermore, the fact that my former coach was still employed at my alma university was selfish to me as someone who graduated from Duke and had not played for him in twenty years. I’ve had good fortune and luck.

For the past ten, fifteen, or more years, my peers have not been able to pick up the phone, call the basketball office, and talk to the same administrative assistant that I did while I was a student athlete. Thus, the coherence and consistency have been extremely awesome. You anticipated it would happen eventually, therefore it’s inevitable. We have one final opportunity to honor him and witness greatness.

What did you enjoy most about your playoff experience?

Observing our supporters truly support our group. It was visible to you. It was tangible; you could feel it. I believe it’s the result of our teamwork and our enjoyable, dynamic playing style together. We seen that everywhere during the playoffs, not just in Atlanta. We turned become the postseason’s darlings.

People were therefore prepared for something positive and uplifting to arrive with the end of COVID-19. You could see that our fans were really proud of us. It was fantastic for the players to have that experience. Although it was an odd year, to watch them recover, thrive, and enjoy success It was entertaining to watch.

Which is more difficult, achieving NBA success or maintaining it?

It’s all difficult (laughing). I’d rather be here, where we are at the moment. Problems like these are what we all want. It is ongoing administration. It’s really challenging, and you have to make tough choices. Tony Ressler, the major owner of the Hawks, made the decision to start over and build through the draft after discussing with all of us. Those three years were difficult. We, in my opinion, told the fans exactly what we were doing. Organizations occasionally decide to take that risk, and it may take ten years to develop into a successful squad. In light of this, we’ve done an amazing job in that area with the hire of [general manager Travis Schlenk] and his amazing work. There is more work to be done because we haven’t taken home a championship. That is the aim and the goal, but it is encouraging that things are moving more quickly. We’re not content with our current situation.

How do you feel about Trae Young’s rise to prominence?

“Intangibles are the key. I saw that he was more involved and had greater faith in his teammates. The veterans we brought in were obviously an enhancement, and the younger players improved. Therefore, it is encouraging to watch him fit in with everything and help others succeed while maintaining his own success and identity.

That many deserves a great deal of credit. Locker room dynamics are never easy to understand. And then there’s him becoming a true star in the league, succeeding in challenging conditions and taking abuse from supporters.

He nearly redirected most of it away from other squad members. It was amazing to see the duty and responsibility that come with being a top player at such a young age. Not just our squad internally, but I believe the NBA community as a whole has taken notice.