Atlanta Hawks Plan To Build Dominique Wilkins Statue, Name Him Special Adviser

Soon, Dominique Wilkins will have to look at a statue of himself every time he goes to work.

Earlier this month, the Atlanta Hawks revealed their plans to construct a statue of Wilkins to help commemorate the 15th anniversary of Philips Arena.

"The first thing that comes to mind is that it immortalizes you," Wilkins told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution at the time of the announcement. "There is no better feeling in the world [than] to know that you will be recognized for the rest of your life, and even after you are gone it's still going to be there. One of most important things, not just for me but for the city of Atlanta, is it's a sign of appreciation for what they've done for me. This city made me who I am."

The Hawks have also announced a new partnership with the nine-time all-atar, naming him special adviser to Hawks CEO Steve Koonin.

"Being honored by the great city of Atlanta and my beloved Hawks team is incredibly humbling. I have to thank all the fans, the community and the Hawks organization, in particular the Gearon family, Rutherford Seydel and Tommy Dortch, who have been close friends and important figures since the day I was drafted," Wilkins said in a statement. "I look forward to continuing my partnership with the team and the city for many years ahead."

The "larger-than-life-size" rendering will be unveiled March 5, ahead of the Hawks game against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Wilkins's new role, meanwhile, goes into effect immediately, and according to insidehoops.com, he will also retain his current responsibilities as vice president of basketball.

"There is no player more deserving of such an honor than Dominique for his continued commitment to the Hawks and the city of Atlanta. Beyond his amazing play on the court during his Hall-of-Fame career, he has been an ambassador for this franchise and the city for three decades," Koonin said. "For all he has accomplished and continues to do for the Hawks franchise and the city of Atlanta, we are proud to bestow this permanent recognition of his legacy."