Hawks raise Turner's banner to rafters

<p>Two of the three players to have their numbers retired by the Atlanta Hawks were on hand Tuesday night as another man linked to the franchise _ Ted Turner _ saw his name lifted to the rafters.</p><p>Former Hawks standouts Dominique Wilkins and Lou Hudson participated in a halftime ceremony which included a video tribute to Turner, the former owner of the Hawks, Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Thrashers.</p><p>"Your name is going to the rafters tonight because, quite simply, you are responsible for all the Hawks fans enjoy here," NBA commissioner David Stern told Turner.</p><p>Stern, who was booed by Hawks fans, said that Turner, the founder of CNN and Turner Broadcasting, "redefined what entertainment and broadcasting were about."</p><p>Turner bought the Hawks in 1977 and Turner Broadcasting merged with Time Warner in 1996. Turner maintained ownership of the Hawks until Time Warner merged with AOL in 2001.</p><p>"It's been really a glorious experience for me," Turner said. "I loved every moment. Thank you, thank you, thank you."</p><p>Wilkins' 21, Hudson's 23 and Bob Pettit's 9 are the only numbers retired by the Hawks. Though Turner was presented a framed Hawks jersey with No. 17 _ a bow to WTBS, Turner's channel 17 in Atlanta _ the banner raised to the rafters carried an old Hawks logo instead of a number.</p><p>Braves general manager John Schuerholz attended the game and sat in the front row beside Turner's family.</p>

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