NBA

The Atlanta Hawks' All-Time Leaders in Blocks: A Look at the Franchise's Elite Rim Protectors

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Aug 27, 2026, 04:37 IST

From the legendary Tree Rollins to the defensive dominance of Dikembe Mutombo, we examine the five most prolific shot-blockers in Atlanta Hawks history who defined an era of interior defense.

The Atlanta Hawks' All-Time Leaders in Blocks: A Look at the Franchise's Elite Rim Protectors

Throughout their 77-year history in the NBA, the Atlanta Hawks have been defined by several formidable rim protectors who anchored the team's defense. While the franchise has seen many players pass through its ranks, a select few stand above the rest for their ability to alter shots and control the paint, with Tree Rollins leading the way as the organization's all-time blocks leader.

Rollins, selected 14th overall in the 1977 NBA Draft, remains the gold standard for defensive presence in Atlanta. Over 11 seasons with the club, he recorded 2,283 blocks, a figure that places him tenth on the NBA's all-time list. His tenure was marked by remarkable durability and consistency, highlighted by his 1982-83 campaign where he led the league with 4.3 blocks per game, earning a spot on the All-Defensive Second Team and a second-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

The Elite Defensive Anchors of Atlanta

Following Rollins on the leaderboard is Josh Smith, who spent the first nine years of his 13-season career in Atlanta after being drafted in 2004. Smith accumulated 1,440 blocks during his time with the Hawks, consistently averaging over two blocks per game throughout his tenure. His defensive impact was recognized by voters for years, peaking in 2009-10 when he finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting and earned an All-Defensive Second Team selection.

Dikembe Mutombo, despite playing only four-and-a-half seasons in Atlanta, secured the third spot with 1,094 blocks. Arriving as a free agent in 1996, the Hall of Famer maintained his status as a premier defender, winning three of his four career Defensive Player of the Year awards while wearing a Hawks jersey. His efficiency was staggering, as he averaged 3.2 blocks per game across 343 appearances for the franchise.

Rounding Out the Top Five

The fourth position is held by Jon Koncak, who played 717 games for the Hawks after being drafted fifth overall in 1985. Primarily serving as a key rotation piece, Koncak recorded 747 blocks over his 10-year stint with the team. His most productive defensive season came in 1993-94, where he appeared in all 82 games and averaged a career-high 1.5 blocks per contest.

Rounding out the top five is Dan Roundfield, who tallied 716 blocks during his six-year run with the Hawks from 1978 to 1984. A versatile contributor, Roundfield averaged 1.6 blocks per game in Atlanta while earning three consecutive All-Star selections and five All-Defensive honors. His impact on both ends of the floor remains a significant chapter in the team's history, cementing his legacy as one of the most effective defensive big men to represent the organization.