Atlanta Hawks debut new MLK jerseys, special court design

The Atlanta Hawks are hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves at State Farm Arena Monday, but this won’t be your run of the mill game.

The team planned a special tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in the first of four “Unity Games” on the schedule this season.

Not only will the Hawks debut their special MLK city edition jerseys, which were blessed by the Pope, but they have also redesigned the court in honor of the civil rights icon.

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Eyes are immediately drawn to center center with a massive stained-glass version of the Hawks logo inspired by Ebenezer Baptist Church.

On the sides of the court, King’s initials are flanked by 22 freedom stars that represent the 22 times King was arrested fighting for equality.

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Channel 2 sports director Zach Klein sat down with Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce to discuss King’s influence on the NBA players still fighting for equality.

“That’s the sad reality that we’re still living to fulfill some of the promises and pleas he was making back in the 50s and 60s,” Pierce told Klein. “But I think there has been progress in some areas and I think we have a long way to go in other areas. The words he spoke resonate today.’

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