Head coach Lon Kruger Record 33–49 (.402) | Arena Philips Arena Playoff finish DNQ | |
Place Division: 6th (Central)
Conference: 12th (Eastern) | ||
The 2001-02 NBA season was the Hawks' 53rd season in the National Basketball Association and 34th season in Atlanta. The Hawks selected Pau Gasol with the third pick in the 2001 NBA draft, but soon traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies for Shareef Abdur-Rahim, while signing free agents Ira Newble and Jacque Vaughn during the offseason. Abdur-Rahim led the Hawks in scoring averaging 21.2 points per game and was selected for the 2002 NBA All-Star Game. However, Theo Ratliff continued to struggle with injuries only playing in just three games. The Hawks struggled losing 12 of their 15 games in January, but would post a 9–7 record in March. They showed slight improvement avoiding 50 losses by finishing sixth in the Central Division with a 33–49 record. Following the season, Toni Kukoč was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, and Vaughn signed with the Orlando Magic.