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Home > Terence Moore > Archives > 2008 > May > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USKnight needed to go
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It wasn’t a question of “if” Billy Knight would go as general manager of the Hawks after six uneven (OK, mostly strange) seasons. It was a question of “how,” followed by “when.”
As for the “how” and the “when,” Knight announced today that he will resign after his contract runs out at the end of June.
Good.
That was opposed to his bosses at Atlanta Spirit doing what they would have done without Knight’s voluntary departure notice, and that is force Knight to leave.
This was a necessary split. In fact, it should have happened about two or three strange moves ago by somebody who was obsessed with obtaining a bunch of players who looked and played alike.
Knight did well at the start. He inherited an expensive and dysfunctional roster from highly over-matched predecessor Pete Babcock. So you have to give Knight credit for discovering ways to blow things up in a hurry, despite a slew of contracts that seemed impossible to shred from the Hawks’ payroll.
It’s just that Knight became a Babcock clone (translated: he was highly over-matched) while trying to help the Hawks rise from those ashes. He kept going after his “long and athletic” players, no matter what else the Hawks needed.
And he passed on point guards Chris Paul and Deron Williams in the same draft when the Hawks needed a point guard. In case you didn’t know, Paul is flirting with greatness for the New Orleans Hornets, and Williams is doing the same with the Utah Jazz.
Knight did get point guard Mike Bibby, but it wasn’t until this February, which was too late for the Hawks to become much more than a tease and too late for Knight to keep his job.
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By Harry Hawk
May 7, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
This is the most informative column I have ever read.
Thank you, Terence.
By Danny
May 7, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
Anybody have ideas on possible candidates for this job?
By Vol
May 7, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
New GM gets a great start with no draft picks. All the more reason to be 100% sure to re-sign Smith and Childress.
By Dr. Tobias Funke
May 7, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Paul is “flirting with greatness” in New Orleans? HA! The flirting is over. Paul and greatness now go hand in hand, and will serve as a decade-long reminder of what could’ve been.
Good riddance, Knight. Even after six years, we hardly knew ya…and that was your choice, since you were aloof and petulant the entire time.
By some sense
May 7, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Watch
Little Mike hires himself as President/GM…not a bad move, actually, and hires a director of player procurement/personnel…lots of good candidates. Mike W., as a result, signs a three year contract to coach the team.
By PURENESS
May 7, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Where do the HAWKS go from here?
By Bobby
May 7, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
You hit the nail on the head Terence
By John
May 7, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Billy Knight was not that good when it came to negotiating (see the Joe Johnson trade where two draft picks and Boris Diaw were given up and the Speedy Claxton signing). Still, he was a very astute talent evaluator. Everyone said that Marvin Williams was the best talent to come out of the draft and that the only reason he wasn’t going first is that he wasn’t a center — and centers are always a premium position. Point guards, for all the whining present here and elsewhere, are the most easy to scout position in basketball. True, fast and quick point guards like Chris Paul are unique, but generally, a solid point guard can be obtained easier down the road.
If the Hawks had drafted Deron Williams instead of Marvin Williams, Deron would be up against the same criticism faced by Marvin because the Hawks simply don’t have a good coach who develops talent. (And the Hawks would have drafted Deron because he was bigger and more physical with a better jumpshot, which was part of the explanation for drafting Acie Law over Mike Conley). People will always whine about how the Hawks didn’t draft Paul, but these same fairweather fans would have been up in arms over our not drafting Marvin Williams.
Knight’s other picks were pretty good. Boris Diaw was a mid-round selection and has turned into a pretty good role player for Phoenix, even though the Hawks coaches never knew how to use him properly. Josh Childress is a very good role player, and Josh Smith was a brilliant pick at No. 17 when the pundits (notably Jay Bilas) panned him as the most likely bust of that draft. Salim Stoudamire has shown great flashes as has Solomon Jones, but for some reason, Mike Woodson refused to play either enough minutes to develop. Shelden Williams started off well but then fell into Woodson’s doghouse never to emerge again. Most recently, everyone was upset over Al Horford’s being drafted over that allegedly needed point guard Mike Conley, and now that chorus of critics has forgotten their past cries, particularly after Horford’s great foundational rookie year. Acie Law has shown promise, and he may still turn out well. Meanwhile, Mike Conley had an unremarkable season in Memphis.
So, I’d gladly take another six years of Billy Knight. I’d rather not have more Mike Woodson. After following the Hawks closely for 15 years, I think I have some credibility on this point.
By MK
May 7, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Hopefully Woodson will follow him out of the door…
By Uncle Dave
May 7, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
I agree… but now what? Who would be crazy enough to go to work for these guys? Anybody with a proven record of success would be nuts to take this job. It has to be someone up and coming. Such choices are always a gamble… sometimes you win (Mark Richt) and sometimes you lose (Isaiah Thomas). The next GM must have a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed… especially when evaluating personel decisions.
By TG
May 7, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
I agree, Billy has made many strange moves in the draft as well as free agency. For every one good move he has made 5 bad ones, and lets not forget he was spared (not by his own doing) from making even bigger mistakes by trying to sign Kenyon Martin and Erick Dampier!! So long Billy and thanks for building somewhat a decent foundation for the next GM to take the Hawks places you just couldn’t.
By P-Funk
May 7, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Glad to see him go…Next should be Woodson. With the Hawks having such a good showing in the the playoffs against the Beast of the East,,,we need better direction. There is no reason a team can reek that much havoc at home and not even show up on the road (especially Game 7). Send Woodson and his staff packing also. We need a respectable, demanding championship caliber coach.
By lex luther
May 7, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Thank you Billy for making the absolute right move. Now we (THE HAWKS) can persue the GM that can make a “common sense” decision. Get a true point guard and true center, definitely keep Joe, both Josh’s, Al and ok Marvin, play guys during the season and make them earn the money the’re getting paid. NBA is not a development league. Play to win or go “HOME”.
By Stephen
May 7, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Not saying Babcock was great, but he did have the Hawks in the playoffs 11 of the 13 seasons he was GM. That is when the Hawks had a winning culture.
By HawksFan
May 7, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
Ok Ok that is great: We need to make two more moves, lets get rid of Woodson and trade Marvin. At least the Woodson move. Once we do that we should be good or on the right track unless we make a dumb A move like bring Isiah Thomas here!!!!!!!!
By TG
May 7, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
I agree with MK. Woodson should be next. Although he did help them get into the playoffs, he too seem greatly overmatched at times and really has hindered the development of several players who will go elsewhere and probably play well. Woodson tried to duplicate the style Detroit plays when he was an assistant with Larry Brown, but that team consisted of veteran players who knew the game already. This team need to have a coach who could allow them to play to their own strengths. It amazes me how coachs continue to force-feed their system-approach on players an expect the fans to take a hands-off approach when the team tanks and the players aren’t designed for that scheme. To his credit, he did let them run more in the playoffs, but as the old adage goes, “too little, too late”
By Meezy
May 7, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
I see Mike Fratello coming back to ATL! He knows a good point guard when he sees one.
By Pete Babcock
May 7, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
Do You all remember when I was general manager and i stunk up the joint. Espeacilly the ridiculous signing of John Koncak the started the Hawks downfall.
By Dee
May 7, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Good Lord, Spirit Group…what took so long? Buncha morons! It’s plain to see you guys didn’t make your money from sports!
By SirReal
May 7, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Yes, it was LONG overdue. Good Knight!!!
By SirReal
May 7, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Yes, it was LONG overdue. Good Knight!!!
By Boythesehawks
May 7, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Guys I am willing to bet that Woodson stays. Michael Gearon, Jr. likes him too much. Woodson should have been gone a long time ago but Michael Gearon refused Knights move when he tried to fire him during the Bibby trade. As for Knight, I am glad to see him go now we need a new direction and focus on continued development. I believe that we have some players that are future stars if we have the right development team in place. It will be a shame if they do not resign Josh Smith after the season. I think he has a greater potential of becoming a real star with the right coach that is focused on development. Please AJC give us some good news and on Thursday reporting that the Hawks have fired Woodson my gut however tells me that he stays.
By R. Stroz
May 7, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
One down, one to go.
By Listen to John
May 7, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
John brings up an interesting point - none of us armchair GM’s have crystal balls - we can in no way predict how a college player will fare in the pros - Jarret Jack owned Chris Paul when they battled in college - Marvin was the sexiest pick out there that particular year - Shelden was showered with accolades both nationally and in the ACC - not even the nation’s most foremost Orthopedic experts can figure out what is going on with Speedy’s knee(s) - there is no silver bullet that will solve all the Hawks problems - the ownership squabbles have tightened the pursestrings - all the best coaches are soon to be spoken for - our payroll will explode if we resign both Joshes, extend Bibby and try to bring in a big name coach - folks this is complicated stuff and y’all don’t know the half - let’s just hope David Andersen can play a little - last but not least, Jason Collier was a heck of a player - a 7 footer who could do it all - may he rest in peace - Let’s go Hawks
By William Satterwhite
May 7, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
“People will always whine about how the Hawks didn’t draft Paul, but these same fairweather fans would have been up in arms over our not drafting Marvin Williams.”
No one would have complained about taking Paul over M. Williams because the Hawks at the time didn’t need a player like M.Williams, they needed a point guard. People might have complained about which specific point guard they took but no one would have complained about taking one.
By tmoooreisanidiot
May 7, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
His worse mistake was hiring Mike Woodson. The same Woodson who said he didn’t want a young pg. Funny you don’t mention that because Woodson actually speaks to you. Woodson proved what an idiot he was by not making any adustments in Boston. They ran in Atl and won. They played half court and lost in Boston. Why did Acie Law not get a chance? Giving the ball to JJ and everyone watching is not an offense.
By KV46
May 7, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
KNIGHT-MARE ACCOMPLISHED!
By GHunt
May 7, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Bobby, I agree with your analysis/assessment of the Hawks. Coach Woodson has under achieved with the available talent he has been supplied with for at least the last two years. Knight did reasonable well as GM, but Woodson has shown that he cannot achieve maximum results from exceptional talent.
By Mr. Scarcrow of Oz
May 7, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
If I only had a brain !
Terence, how long did it take you to brain storm and research this column…? All of 30 seconds. Gee Wiz dude, As much as I try and overlook a lot of the vitriol and bitterness that is thrown at you from those that read your blog, this only adds fuel to those who believe you are over paid. This column is really just a repeat of what those other blogs/post have been posting all week - especially today.
Get a little more original will you.!?
By Rock Preston
May 7, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Former 76er GM would be perfect for the Hawks. He’s smart(Duke grad), experienced(Philly GM), and knowledgable(NBA TV). Make the hire ASG!!!
By Richard
May 7, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Next step fire Mike Woodson and hire Avery Johnson
By Reggie L
May 7, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
To be succinct, we need a coach the players will respect. Woody, though a nice guy, lost the respect of some of the players along the way. Josh Smith in particular shows a pure disdain for the man. Get rid of ZaZa and Marvin…we need a real center. I’m almost looking forward to next year…should be interesting
By Darrin "The Vent King"
May 7, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Don’t forget Brandon Roy and Dwight Howard…and uh, flirting with greatness? Dude is as great a point guard at his size I’ve seen since I Thomas. It’s ridiculous what he is doing and Knight pass that up for “two left feet” M Williams? They ought to ask for some of Knight’s contract money back for that one. Stevie Wonder could have made a better call than that! After trying to fire Woody three times, it just shows how lame this dude is when he now trys to compliment Woodson. What? Anyway, I hope the Spirit get it more correct with the next guy and whoever that guy is, I hope he knows Woody should be NEXT!
GO HAWKS!!!
By WGJacket
May 7, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Rarely has the sports world seen a bigger combination of arrogance and incompetence than with Knight. Shelden Williams? Third pick? An undersized center with ZERO offensive skills? That still tops the Marvin Williams mistake.
By Derrick
May 7, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
John - Just because you wrote a 1000 plus words in your post, doesn’t make your argument any more “credible” than those of us with an opposing view point. It just makes you look like an excuse maker for Billy knight. He and Woodson deserve equal parts blame the state of the Hawks.
By priest
May 7, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Forgot to mention wasting all that cap room on NOT SO SPEEDY cRackston! He made some good moves, the Josh’s and Joe, but man He shoulda been fired after drafting Sheldon. they shoulda cut sheldon immediatly and Fired Knight then. and just imagine if Paul or D williams was tossing it up to Smoove and Chill, ahh, what coulda been… good bye billy!
By hocker
May 7, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Ding dong, the witch is dead!!
By Rock Preston
May 7, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Former 76er GM, Billy King, would be perfect for the Hawks. He’s smart(Duke grad), experienced(Philly GM), and knowledgable(NBA TV). Make the hire ASG!!!
By Evan
May 7, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
“Uneven” is probably not the best term to describe the past 6 Hawks seasons and beyond. More like “sub-par”, “unsatisfactory”, “abysmal” or maybe even “not resembling an NBA team”. Anyway, I’m glad to see Billy Knight go. I’m still very unsure about Woodson, but he may be given one more chance given what he was dealt. While Knight will likely get some hindsight credit for drafting the likes of Josh Smith, Childress and Horford, his failure to secure the Point Guard position was his great failing - well, added to that is not drafting Chris Paul. Marvin Williams may end up being a solid consistent player at his position for years to come, but I doubt he ever reaches the heights that Paul will attain, plus he wasn’t a need like Chris Paul. Added to the drafting issue, probably Knight’s greatest fault was his free agent dealings. Other than Bibby, who’s value and longetivity is still questionable, name a free agent signing by Knight that proved a fine and lasting addition to the team - I can’t think of one. Most of his signings flopped in some way. Harrington was the go-to guy for a couple of years on some very bad teams, but really didn’t want to be here.
Not everything was bad about Knight and he did have to deal with a very tenuous ownership situation. I did like the fact that he focused on building through the draft and young players, which does take time. However, given his philosophy he made too many poor decision that ultimately kept the Hawks from really improving from year to year…and yes, I guess you could say this year was an improvement with the playoffs, but when you really think on it, the Hawks should not have been in the playoffs and really didn’t meet the expectations for this season - the record was still pretty bad. And for the last several years, the Hawks have been among the worst teams each year.
By Smooth717
May 7, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Knight passed up on Javaris Crittenton He is had to go…
By Smooth717
May 7, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
Knight passed up on Javaris Crittenton He is had to go…
By HawksDude
May 7, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
K-E-N-N-Y S-M-I-T-H !!! K-E-N-N-Y S-M-I-T-H !!! K-E-N-N-Y S-M-I-T-H !!! K-E-N-N-Y S-M-I-T-H !!! K-E-N-N-Y S-M-I-T-H !!! K-E-N-N-Y S-M-I-T-H !!!
By Gary
May 7, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
My guess is they’ll let the new GM pick his own coach. This next hiring decision will be crucial to the success of the Hawks next season.
By Darryl Woods
May 7, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Let’s get Avery Johnson for coach and GM with total control
By Terence Moore
May 7, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
To everybody:
Check back later this evening. I’ll have more thoughts on this Billy Knight situation and the one involving Mike Woodson.
Just wanted to deliver a Quick Hit with the breaking news this morning on Knight.
By scottBravesFan
May 7, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
About damn time.
By Matthew Roberts
May 7, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
I would like to see Dominique Wilkins be promoted to GM. He was done so much for this Franchise.
By Derryck
May 7, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Rick Carliel(However you spell his name!) He will allow the young athletic hawks to play and play to their talents! KG and Doc Rivers said it best that Atlanta, was too restricted by the play calling rather than just playing basketball! I like Chill as a role player, but we were better with Jones, or Pachulia at center with Hortford at PF and smith as SF or Marvin Williams! We need to trade for Critten from Memphis! Keep Law, and Salim. Salim will be a good NBA player with better defense. He can score, but has the talent to play like Paul, he just has to see the floor. Samething with Law! They need to see the floor to make the team flow better, and keep the game in flow rather than an up and down inconsistent game!
By Bradleyschultzbisherfan
May 7, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
You know, Terence, that blogging involves actually interacting with readers, not just throwing an opinion on a screen and shuffling off to your next ESPN gig? What did this quoteless gem take, 7 minutes?
By Ken
May 7, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
This does nothing for the organization. Woodson is the biggest problem. That the owners wouldn’t let Knight can Woodson says to me that they’ll hire a new GM that likes Woodson and wants to keep him… how good of a GM could that be??? Honestly, only someone like Isiah Thomas could see Woodson as a good coach.
By Kelvin
May 7, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Good Riddance Billy! I will never forgive you for not drafting a point guard three years ago. And just for the record I said it at the time not just now. That was one of the most important drafts the Hawks had in years and you blew it on a 6’ 9” swingman when you already had Josh Smith, Josh Childress and Al Harrington. Everyone in the world knew we needed a point guard and you had two highly regarded point guards coming out of the draft and you don’t take either. That was a mistake that this franchise will be paying for long after your departure. I know you don’t care what the fans think Billy, so take your aloofness and condescending ways with you to wherever you end up. I am glad you are gone. I wish it had been sooner.
By Lazyboy
May 7, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
That’s what’s wrong with the NBA now people draqfting on the chich pick.Nothing against Marvin Williams but he never warranted being chosen that high. He’s a 6’8 player that does nothing extremly well which equates to an role player. I’m sorry but you just have to take a PG when the your team does’nt have one. Do you know how good the hawks would be with Paul or WIlliams? I say let me have the job and stop giving these retread old no talent evaulators jobs. How can it be your job and that’s what you do and you get it WRONG year after year.
By don pardo
May 7, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
John:
As a fan of the hawks for over 30 years I strongly disagree with your evaluation of Knight. The differences between being a contender and a bottom dweller are a couple moves a year, a perfect example being Boston this year. Detroit for all their success was set bad years after Dumars was fooled into drafting Darco. You just don’t get that many changes. Knight passed rookies of the year two years in a row. There just no way to come back from that. There was no reason in the world to take Marvin. He was an iffy prospect, has shown some promise at NC but never even started. Plus the hawks were already overloaded at forward and there were two excellent point guard prospects and position of need that were much further along in development. Had he taken Williams over Paul, although a mistake it would be hard to criticize but drafting another forward made no sense at the time? Then even worse was Sheldon. A lot of teams did not have Sheldon in the top 10. This was simply a huge mistake. And the rational was we need a needed more rebounding (not the Sheldon was much help) basically it was a “need” pick when the year before he disregarded the need pick to take another forward. The fact is it makes sense to reach for a need as long as there is not a huge gap in talent between the players, this gap clearly did not exist the year we draft Marvin, but did clearly exist when we reached for Sheldon. These two moves, D. Williams or Paul plus Roy and were a different team.
Combine this with being bluffed into given the Suns Diaw plus two other first rounds picks. There was no way the suns could match the offer, everyone in the world knew that, if fact the suns traded the first of the no.1 picks we gave them for salary cap reasons, and that was without Johnson’s salary. By the way the pick turned into Rondo another pretty good point that slipped through knight’s fingers. Speed Claxton, 25 million, what else needs to said. Money could have been used for serviceable big man. Add on that to the fact the knight was the most arrogant, inaccessible (just ask any media in town), and condescending GM in the history of the city can mean only one thing GOOD RIDDANCE!
By BA
May 7, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Moore is the only blogger at the AJC who’s to chicken-s to put dissenting opinions up. It’s time for Moore to resign. He’s a waste of webspace.
By Hawkeye
May 7, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
The Knightmare is over!
By Tiger Woo
May 7, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
John,
Who was upset over Al Horford’s being drafted over that allegedly needed point guard Mike Conley? I didn’t hear any complaints regarding that pick.
You also stated that:
“If the Hawks had drafted Deron Williams instead of Marvin Williams, Deron would be up against the same criticism faced by Marvin because the Hawks simply don’t have a good coach who develops talent. (And the Hawks would have drafted Deron because he was bigger and more physical with a better jumpshot, which was part of the explanation for drafting Acie Law over Mike Conley). People will always whine about how the Hawks didn’t draft Paul, but these same fairweather fans would have been up in arms over our not drafting Marvin Williams.”
First of all, it’s not about developing talent - it’s more about utilizing talent at the professional level. Deron Williams would be no less talented if he was playing for the Hawks.
Also, Mike Conley was long gone (4th pick) before Acie Law was drafted @ the 11th pick - no explanation needed. Believe me - if both point guards were available when they drafted Law, they would have taken Conley over Law.
By John (again)
May 7, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Don Pardo — I wish that we hadn’t had to suffer under losing seasons this past decade! Hopefully the new regime will give us a better product.
Still, you can’t have it both ways in criticizing Knight. He went with the best player available in taking Marvin (and Marvin was the consensus top-2 by everyone else out there). You say that he should have gone for need (PG) that year, but then you criticize him for not adding another swing man type in Brandon Roy the following year (and yes, I describe Roy as a swing man with a skill set equivalent to Joe Johnson). Roy was a very good player, but he was a bit of an unknown who didn’t stand out in any particular category given his solid all-around game while Williams had played very well for a competitive Duke team and, as a known quantity, could be called the better player at the time (though in hindsight, like everything else, that does not look correct). The Hawks could have signed Eddie Curry or Tyson Chandler but doing so would have cost near-max contracts, and only Eddy Curry seemed to be worth even close to that at the time — and he’s done nothing since signing with New York.
Anyway, I rehash old arguments. With this coaching staff, I think whoever the Hawks would have drafted: Bogut, Marvin Williams, Deron Williams, or Chris Paul, would have never have developed to their full potential under Woodson. Marvin has all the physical tools (fluid hips, good vision, quickness, the ability to add strength, good reaction) along with a solid midrange jumper with good mechanics to have thrived elsewhere.
By Tiger Woo
May 7, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
BA,
When Moore puts up dissenting opinions on this blog, they say he is racist. When he posts opinions that are more mainstream, some say he is clueless or un-original.
Looks like he’ll never please some of you folks, no matter what he posts.
By Mark
May 7, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
John it’s pretty pathetic how you and other people are making excuses for Billy Knight. You have the nerve to say that this man was a “very astute talent evaluator”. So I guess when he drafted Shelden Williams he was showing his skills? Right John?
You have to be an IDIOT to think that fans would have been upset if we had not drafted Marvin Williams seeing as we needed a point guard. Then John you write ” solid point guard can be obtained easier down the road.” Well John if that is so true why did it take him 3 years to find us one. Billy Knight brought T. Lue, A.J., and actually gave Speedy Claxton a five year deal. I and I am sure other fans were so insulted by that move because he was CHRIS PAUL’S BACKUP!!!!!
What made Billy Knight such an idiot was his ARROGANT attitude. He never admitted he was wrong on any of his moves and caused many fans to dislike him because he wouldn’t talk to the media. Who did he think he was, John Schuerholtz. Pete Babcock would at least talk to the media and so does John Schuerholtz. Billy had no right to be that ARROGANT AND POMPOUS. HE SUCKED IN MEMPHIS AND HE SUCKED HERE.
By UGA'91
May 7, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
How bout Nique? He could’nt do worse than Knight, he’s respected in the league he loves and respects the franchise and he’s personable enough to make connections with the other GM’s. Get em a salary cap czar and let em do his thing.
By McRly?
May 7, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
On Billy - For every good choice he had an equally bad one- Josh, Josh and Joe-Sheldon, Speedy, no young point guard in any draft before Acie Law.
But Woodson, in my mind, has failed his young talent and exploited and overused the talent he did use on the floor this past year. He ran 6/7 players into the GROUND during the regular season and refused to develop the young talent that did show promise on the bench (Solomon, Acie and Salim - yes, they made mistakes, but there’s noone on this board or any other that would argue these guys don’t have potential). and not developing Acie any last year was just stupid. You robbed the kid of an entire year of experience. For the starters, Too many minutes for those players that did make it on the court this year. Period. Everyone knows it. I think it’s better on Joe Johnson’s health and on our current roster of young talent to bring in another coach who will let his youngs guys learn on the floor and rest his stars for more that 60 seconds a game. Woody, you did wrong by your players this year. If you keep your job, right the wrongs. Otherwise, you just brought it on yourself bro.
By Keeping It Real
May 7, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
If Woodson cannot compel his players to move the ball and play good team defense, then they will never win on a consistent basis. He should go and bring in Avery Johnson to work with the kids (mostly Josh Smith). Billy King would be a good GM.
By bill
May 7, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Look for BK to reunite with his former mentor Donnie Walsh in NY…get ready Knicks fans, if you thought the Isiah-era was fun, wait until you begin living the Knightmare!
By ricknole
May 7, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
I think this is better news than the Boston Serise
By Bob
May 7, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Knight also gave away draft picks which he should not have. I believe that one of the Hawk picks turned into the Celtics point guard.
By firemikewoodson
May 7, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
OK Knight is gone and I can accept that. However I can’t take another season of Mike Woodson. He rarely makes adjustments. And any real Hawk fan knows that the only reason the Hawks won 3 games against the Celtics is because of the home crowd. The players fed off of that, not because Mike Woodson all of a sudden became brilliant. Just go back and look at those games in Boston and as usual he didn’t have a clue as to keep the games at least competitive. PLEASE TELL ME THEY ARE SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST. FIRE MIKE WOODSON!!!
By Todd
May 7, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Are you kidding me? Somehow the “overmatched” Pete Babcock managed to get the Hawks to the playoffs 8 out of his first 9 years with the team. It pains me to stick up for the guy because I thought his drafting was horrid but I’m sure if given all the top 5 draft picks that Billy Knight had to work with he would have done a much better job.
By Ken Strickland
May 7, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
I think BK did an outstanding job considering the adverse circumstances he had to operate under. As far as not drafting a PG, I believe he was acquiesing to Woodson’s disdane for rookie PG’s. We’ve all seen Woodson’s attitude towards rookie PG’s, especially if they’re quick, fast and not totally half court oriented.
As far as hiring another GM, would you risk your reputation and career by becoming the Hawks GM with Woodson as HC? You would be taking over a flawed franchise and team. You’d be reporting to a severely flawed team of owners that are divided and in legal war. You’d be inheriting a flawed, and seemingly dysfunctional HC that’s led the NBA is losses over the last 4yrs. This is a HC that you will not be allowed to fire.
This same HC has a passion for the vet PG(Bibby)on the roster who is grossly overpaid and in the last yr of his contract. The backup PG is young and the teams future. However, he is an after thought of the HC, who’s demonstrated no interest in his development.
When all is said and done, maybe Gearon has the same dilusions of grandeur as Belkin seems to have, which started this ownership mess in the 1st place.
Your most talented player(JSmith), your 2nd most versatile player(JChildress)and one of your quickest and fastest players, and most prolific outside shooters, are RFA’s. If you draft a PG, the HC won’t play or develop him. If you sign another vet PG, your HC will play him into the ground, even if he’s injured. WHAT TO DO?
By RA
May 7, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
Okay,
Here’s the thing, THE HAWKS DIDN’T DRAFT CHRIS PAUL OR DERON WILLIAMS! IT WAS PROBABLY THE BIGGEST SINGLE MISTAKE KNIGHT MADE DURRING HIS TENURE! THE POINT IS CONCEDED. PLEASE MOVE ON!!!
Now, if we’re through beating the dead and rotting horse that is the 2005 draft, let’s look at what BK did do. First, let’s look at what he inhereted. To say that he inhereted a franchise in ashes is an insult to ashes everywhere. He blew it up and he built through the draft. Josh Childress, one of the best six men in the game today. Josh Smith, at 22 years old, I can’t even guess about what his upside is going to be. Marvin Williams has increased his scoring every year and averaged around 15 points a game last season, 22 years old. Shelden Williams, gone. Solomon, could be the answer we’re looking for at the five spot, I don’t know yet. Al Horford, the man that, if there were ANY justice in the world would have been Rookie of the Year. Salim Staudemeyer, and yes, I butchered the spelling of his name, best shooter on the team, could be one of the better streak shooters in the league, if he gets some clock! Lastly, Acie Law IV, gave Sam Cassell (ie the elephant man)fits in the first round of the playoffs. There is NO question in my mind that he can be a big game player in this league. Of course, we needed a solid starting point guard. Say what you want about Mike Bibby, the Hawks don’t get to the show without him, and he would have made a better showing against Boston, but by the time the playoffs rolled around, the man was spent.
Now, Mr. Moore, if you sir are quite ready to stop lamenting Deron Williams and Chris Paul, you might see that what we have isn’t exactly terrible. Now, say what you want, but if Atlanta can keep the pieces that are in place, they are one or two veterans away from being a force in the eastern conference, and whether you like it or not BK is a huge reason why…
By bubba-da-baller
May 7, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Go Hawks! take the Thrashers with you!
By mike
May 7, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
You know..T Moore you flip flop more than an oversized shoe on a birds foot. Seems I remember you loving and praising the billy knight/woodson combo back when they were hired while the rest of us scratched our heads. It’s really a shame that someone that changes course to fit the masses has a job as a reporter. The media sucks!
By SilverShadow
May 7, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
TM you are right on my brother. Night had to be cleared for there to be daylight again for the Hawks. MIKE WOODSEN HAS EARNED A REPRIEVE FOR AT LEAST ONE MORE YEAR.
By GT80
May 7, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
John, are you Billy’s brother or what? Who said Marvin was the best talent available in the draft. My god, the kid was 19, had played one season with UNC and wasn’t even the best talent on that team. He had “potential” and that is all. Chris Paul was the ACC player of the year and a 3 time All-American. Deron W was an All-American, big 10 player of the year and had just led his team to a 1 loss year and the NCAA championship game. The only people saying Marvin was the best talent was Utah and New Orleans, knowing Billy would take the bait and they would get their pick of the best young PG to come along in years. Oh, and Billy at the same time had failed to realize that the changed defensive rules in the NBA made the smaller PG a viable and actually dominate position in the league.
Terence, way to pen another article that stated the obvious and offered absolutely no insight. At least you provided a forum for people to vent.
By Dr. Nitecall
May 7, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Bob: You are exactly right. Knight wasted a couple of draft picks the two most notably of which were the Celtics point guard and the Hornets point guard Chris Paul. The Hawks could have owned both of those players rights and would have improved dramatically if they had selected them both and would have benefited enormously by trading one of them away for talent of equal value. At least NOW the Knightmare is over.
By Big Rig
May 7, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
The Hawks won game 4 because of offensive adjustments that Joe Johnson recommended at the end of the 3rd quarter. Woodson did nothing to help the Hawks win the game. He is over his head and should be replaced.
By MsDee
May 7, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
It’s not to late to get Pg’s like Mike Conley since he is not being used much in Memphis..we could give up Marvin/Zaza for Mike Conley and a BIg or something..right??
By nique
May 7, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
If the Hawks keep Woodson they definitely won’t make it past the first-round of the playoffs next year (i.e., progress) and might not even have a winning record. Woodson has shown that he simply does not have the ability to develop his players or direct the players on the floor so that the team plays organized basketball. If that’s the case, they will have squandered any excitement/goodwill they generated bc of the C’s series.
Now is the time for them to make a coaching change and progress to the next level with the talent they have.
By Pleze
May 9, 2008 3:36 AM | Link to this
FINALLY! Knight blew the chance at not 1 but 2 future hall of fame point guards. CP3 and Deron Williams. Unacceptable! CP3 was in his backyard the ACC how could you not see that CP3 was not the real thing. Good riddens! Coach Woodson is a top ten coach, he did a tarriffic job taking the Celtics to seven games,, Wake up Hawks fans, he’s a keeper. Now it’s time to bring in Steve Smith as GM, a former player with a bright mind and respect of the league.