The 1998-1999 Hawks were swept by the Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals and owned the 21st pick in the 1999 NBA Draft.
The team’s core of Steve Smith, Mookie Blaylock, and Dikembe Mutombo were in their primes, the Hawks looked to be creating a solid roster for the future. The Hawks went 31-19 during the lockout-shortened season.
In a blockbuster move for the franchise, they dealt the 21st pick and All-Star point guard Blaylock to the Golden State Warriors for the 10th overall pick, Bimbo Coles, and Duane Ferrell.