With Kia’s first U.S. assembly plant currently under construction in Georgia, we thought it would be appropriate to get some words of wisdom from one of Atlanta’s favorite sons, Dominique Wilkins. One of the most explosive scorers in the history of the NBA, Dominique is now the Atlanta Hawks’ VP of Basketball, a position he serves with the same passion and enthusiasm as he did as a star player for the Hawks.
Q. Atlanta has risen to become one of the most culturally influential cities in the country. What do you think it is about Atlanta that makes it such a trendsetter?
A. I think Atlanta has a lot of history. A lot of influential people live here now, they set trends that the world takes notice of. And Atlanta is a place where people can afford to live comfortably, which makes for a hospitable attitude.
Q. You've been around basketball for the majority of your life, and as an elite player you know the game better than almost anyone. What are the most important lessons you‘ve learned from basketball?
A. Basketball has taught me discipline and how to set goals. It also taught me life lessons such as being humble and accepting admiration with class. These are the tools that allowed me to become an elite player in the NBA. But I wouldn't say that I wish I knew things then that I know now, because the fun in life is learning the lessons.
Q. How does your role as VP of Basketball allow you make a difference?
A. Being VP of Basketball has enabled me to share everything I‘ve learned with the younger players in the league. My experience gives validity and value to what I am trying to teach about the game of basketball.
Q. You've been around basketball for the majority of your life, and as an elite player you know the game better than almost anyone. What are the most important lessons you‘ve learned from basketball?
A. Basketball has taught me discipline and how to set goals. It also taught me life lessons such as being humble and accepting admiration with class. These are the tools that allowed me to become an elite player in the NBA. But I wouldn't say that I wish I knew things then that I know now, because the fun in life is learning the lessons.
Q. How does your role as VP of Basketball allow you make a difference?
A. Being VP of Basketball has enabled me to share everything I‘ve learned with the younger players in the league. My experience gives validity and value to what I am trying to teach about the game of basketball.
Q. Congratulations on your recent induction in the Hall of Fame. How‘d it go sharing that honor with Charles Barkley?
A. Thank You. Going to the Hall of Fame with Charles was special because I feel like we grew up in the NBA together. We also shared similar experiences in college so we had a lot in common. If there was anyone to be inducted into the Hall of Fame with it had to be Charles!
Q. Who do you feel are the most exciting players in the game right now, and what do you admire most about them?
A. I definitely have to say Atlanta‘s own Josh Smith and Joe Johnson are exciting. Atlanta loves those guys. I would also have to include some one-namers: Kobe, Dwayne, Vince, and LeBron.
Q. I've always been a huge fan of NBA nicknames, from Pistol Pete to The Mailman to Stevie Franchise to A.I. What are some of your favorites?
A. My favorite nicknames are “Dr. J,” which is an all-time classic, and “Air Jordan” is a perfect nickname. I also like some of the new names, like Dwyane “Silk” Wade since his game is so smooth, and “Vinsanity” speaks for itself.
Q. Who do you feel are the most exciting players in the game right now, and what do you admire most about them?
A. I definitely have to say Atlanta‘s own Josh Smith and Joe Johnson are exciting. Atlanta loves those guys. I would also have to include some one-namers: Kobe, Dwayne, Vince, and LeBron.
Q. You‘re a franchise man, and while Atlanta definitely has some talent, what moves will you guys have to make to take it to the next level?
A. We need to add solid pieces to the core of exciting talent that we have through a good draft and free agency. When we get the final pieces, though, the league better watch out!
Kia Motors proudly supports professional basketball. Kia is an Official Partner of the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Miami HEAT, New York Knicks and Seattle SuperSonics. Kia is also a Proud Partner of the Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns, and an Advertising Partner of the Chicago Bulls. ESPN’s Kia NBA Shootaround pre-game show just wrapped up its third season.
