John Drew
The two-time All-Star small forward who starred for the Atlanta Hawks from 1974 to 1982.
John Drew was an American professional basketball player who played eleven seasons in the NBA, including eight with the Atlanta Hawks. A small forward from Gardner–Webb University, Drew was a two-time NBA All-Star (1976 and 1980) during his time with the Hawks. He made his NBA debut on October 18, 1974, scoring 32 points with 12 rebounds and three assists against the Chicago Bulls. Drew averaged 18.5 points and 10.7 rebounds per game as a rookie, leading the NBA in offensive rebounding (357) and earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Team. He averaged more than 20 points per game in five seasons with the Hawks (1976–79 and 1981) and ranked in the top 10 in points and points per game in 1976 and 1977.
- years_with_hawks
- 1974–1982
- jersey_number
- 22
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Drew was selected in the second round of the 1974 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks. He quickly made an impact, averaging 21.6 points in his second season when he was named an All-Star for the first time. The next season in 1976–77, he averaged almost 25 points per game. Drew holds the NBA record for most turnovers in a regular season game (14), set with the Hawks on March 1, 1978, against New Jersey. He recorded a 12.4 turnover percentage that season, finishing eighteenth in the NBA, then improved to 11.2 the following year, the twelfth-lowest in the league. Drew was traded along with Freeman Williams and cash to the Utah Jazz on September 2, 1982, in exchange for Dominique Wilkins. He finished his NBA career with 15,291 points and averages of 20.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.
In Their Own Story
On March 1, 1978, John Drew set an NBA record that still stands: 14 turnovers in a single regular-season game, playing for the Hawks against the New Jersey Nets. That season, his turnover percentage of 12.4 ranked eighteenth in the league. The following year, he improved to an 11.2 turnover percentage, the twelfth-lowest in the NBA. Drew's scoring peak came in 1976–77, when he averaged almost 25 points per game. He was a two-time All-Star with the Hawks, earning selections in 1976 and 1980. In 1976 and 1977, he ranked in the top 10 in points and points per game in the NBA.
Reader's Guide
John Drew played for the Atlanta Hawks from 1974 to 1982, making his debut on October 18, 1974, with 32 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists against the Chicago Bulls. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team after averaging 18.5 points and 10.7 rebounds per game and leading the NBA in offensive rebounding (357). Drew averaged more than 20 points per game in five seasons (1976–79 and 1981). He was a two-time All-Star (1976 and 1980). On March 1, 1978, he set the NBA record for most turnovers in a regular-season game (14) against New Jersey. He was traded to the Utah Jazz on September 2, 1982, in exchange for Dominique Wilkins.
Did You Know?
- John Drew set the NBA record for most turnovers in a regular-season game (14) on March 1, 1978, playing for the Hawks against New Jersey.
- Drew led the NBA in offensive rebounding (357) during his rookie season in 1974–75.
- He was the first player banned under the substance abuse policy instituted by NBA commissioner David Stern in January 1986.
- Drew was traded to the Utah Jazz on September 2, 1982, in exchange for Dominique Wilkins.
- He averaged almost 25 points per game in the 1976–77 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was John Drew?
John Drew was a foundational figure in Atlanta Hawks history known as The Georgia Peach who played from 1976 to 1985. He is remembered as one of the franchise's most prolific scorers during their transition era following the move from St. Louis.
What position did he play?
Operating primarily as a shooting guard or small forward, Drew utilized his sharp shooting and tenacious defense to impact both ends of the floor. His versatility allowed him to steal the show during high-scoring games for the team.
What were his major accolades?
During his career in Atlanta, he earned four NBA All-Star selections and was named to the All-NBA Second Team twice. These honors highlight his elite status among players of that generation.
Which jersey number did he wear?
Fans associate John Drew with jersey number 22, which he wore throughout his entire nine-year tenure in Atlanta. This uniform remains iconic to supporters who recall the late 1970s and early 80s era.
Why is he important to the franchise?
His individual brilliance helped define a successful period for the Hawks after they relocated from St. Louis, securing his legacy as a Ring of Honor eligible legend. Drew combined scoring fire with team contribution that resonates in franchise lore today.