![Mar 9, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; NBA Hall of Fame player Dominique Wilkins talks with Atlanta Hawks staff before the Hawks' game against the Charlotte Hornets at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports](https://sportsnaut.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/14164064.jpg?w=788&h=444&crop=1)
Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins shared his thoughts on former Atlanta Hawks owner, general manager and president J. Michael Gearon Sr., who died last month after brain herniation. He was 87.
“Michael Gearon Sr. was like a father to me and took care of me in every way,” said Wilkins, who is now the vice president of basketball for the Hawks. “He and Hank Aaron convinced Ted Turner to trade for me and bring me to the Hawks in 1982, and forever changed my life. We talked at least three or four times a month for almost the last 40 years. Michael was a wonderful man and I will miss him.”
Gearon was Atlanta’s GM from 1977-79 and remained team president until 1986. He went on to become a part owner of the Hawks from 2004-15.
He passed away on Nov. 22.
–Field Level Media