The 1999–2000 NBA season was the Hawks' 51st season in the National Basketball Association, and 32nd season in Atlanta. The Hawks played their first season at the Philips Arena, which was built over the site of The Omni. In the offseason, they acquired Isaiah Rider and Jim Jackson from the Portland Trail Blazers, while acquiring Bimbo Coles from the Golden State Warriors and Lorenzen Wright from the Los Angeles Clippers. The Hawks played .500 basketball with a 9–9 start to the season, but then struggled losing 11 of their next 13 games. Rider led the Hawks in scoring with 19.3 points per game. However, he had a history of behavioral problems both on and off the court. After showing up late for a game in March, he was released after 60 games.

The Hawks struggled posting a nine-game losing streak in April, and finished seventh in the Central Division with a disappointing 28–54 record, missing the playoffs for the first time in eight years. Dikembe Mutombo was selected for the 2000 NBA All-Star Game, and top draft pick Jason Terry was named to the All-Rookie Second Team. Following the season, Lenny Wilkens resigned and left to coach the Toronto Raptors, Coles signed as a free agent with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and LaPhonso Ellis signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves.