2004–05 Atlanta Hawks season
The 2004–05 NBA season was the Hawks' 56th season in the National Basketball Association, and 37th season in Atlanta. It was their first season under new head coach Mike Woodson. Despite the offseason acquisitions of All-Star forward Antoine Walker from the Dallas Mavericks, Al Harrington from the Indiana Pacers and re-signing free agent Kevin Willis, the Hawks were not expected to be any good heading into the season posting an awful 2–12 record in November. As the season progressed, the team acquired Tyronn Lue from the Houston Rockets. At midseason, Walker was eventually traded back to the Boston Celtics for All-Star guard Gary Payton, who was released and then re-signed with the Celtics.
Meanwhile, the Hawks went from bad to worse losing 32 of their final 35 games, posting 13 and 14-game losing streaks respectively on their way to finishing with a league worst record at 13–69, which was their worst winning percentage in franchise history. Despite their awful season, rookie Josh Smith won the Slam Dunk Contest during the All-Star Weekend in Denver. Both Smith and top draft pick Josh Childress made the All-Rookie Second Team. Following the season, Willis retired after playing in his second stint with the Hawks.
For the season, the Hawks added yellow alternate road uniforms which would last until 2007.Offseason
Draft picks
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | Nationality | College |
| 1 | 6 | Josh Childress | SF/SG | | Stanford |
| 1 | 17 | Josh Smith | SF | | |
| 2 | 34 | Donta Smith | SG | | Southeastern Illinois |
| 2 | 37 | Royal Ivey | PG | | Texas |
| 2 | 42 | Viktor Sanikidze | F | | |
Roster
Regular season
Season standings
Record vs. opponents
Game log
Player statistics
Season
Transactions
Trades
Re-signed
Additions
Subtractions
