AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > May > 11 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHawks’ Knight doesn’t care what you think
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
You, being shallow and impatient, are going to read this and scoff. And Billy Knight, being cool in a way you’ll never be, is going to laugh at your skepticism. See, Knight doesn’t think you know enough to second-guess him.
“I hear people on sports shows,” he says, “and I think that person has as much business talking about basketball as I do running the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.”
You’d think a general manager whose team just doubled its win total and still finished with a better record than only two other NBA teams might be a tad less sure of himself. Sorry. Knight doesn’t do circumspection. He doesn’t care what you think of him or his Hawks. He thinks he’s doing a terrific job. And you? You’re simply too myopic to see it.
“You have to give players time to mature. It’s the microwave age, but the world does not work instantly. If I could say one thing, it’s this: Everyone needs to relax.”
As relaxation therapy, try listening to the GM without throwing the paper at the wall in disgust. Here’s Knight’s take on Mike Woodson, the coach he hired two summers ago: “He’s better than I thought he was… . I go to all the practices and all the games, and I know more about it than anybody else knows. That might sound like an egotistical statement, but I think I know more than anybody else.”
On Chris Paul, the newly minted rookie of the year bypassed by the Hawks in the draft: “Chris Paul is a good player. He deserves to be rookie of the year - I voted for him. But we’re very happy with Marvin Williams. We think he’s going to be a heck of a player.”
On Boris Diaw, whom Knight drafted in 2003 and traded to Phoenix last summer, whereupon he developed into the NBA’s most improved player: “Boris Diaw is in a good situation… . Boris is a very versatile player. He’s able to play [power forward] for them; whether or not he’d have been able to play it for us is a different story.”
Here’s Knight on the upcoming draft, in which the watching world expects the Hawks to draft a point guard: “Guys are running around saying, ‘Point guard, point guard.’ But what if I don’t agree with that? … I find [such talk] a little humorous and entertaining.”
For the record, Knight won’t rule out drafting yet another swingman. “I always take talent… . I like good basketball players, and there are a lot of 6-foot-8 players in the draft. And 6-8 is the ideal size.” Might the day arrive when the Hawks draft for a specific need? “There could come a time like that, but I’m not at that time.”
Knight claims his goal is to be “the most laid-back guy in the world,” and he’s on track. Who else could be this sanguine while presiding over a team that has gone 39-125 over two seasons and hasn’t, in three drafts under Knight, picked a player who received even one third-place vote for rookie of the year?
“I’m happy with where we are today,” he says. “We have a long way to go.” Does he expect the Hawks to make the playoffs next season? “I don’t say that. I say we should make improvement.”
Does he believe his constituency supports such a measured approach? “Based on what I hear when I move about town, when I go to the movies or the grocery or when I take my daughter to the mall or when I’m getting gas, I think people can see we’re making improvement… . We’re in the second year of our process.”
But what if down-the-road results don’t support such serenity? What if his supportive ownership gets as antsy as Sudden Steve Belkin? What it time runs out? “If it does, it does. I know this business. I’ve been around the world and made it back. There’s nothing I can do about that.”
And you out there? What if you’re not willing to endorse such a glacial pace? What if you have issues with every player Knight has drafted? Then you, being borderline hysterical, need to let matters play out.
“I never judge a guy after one year,” Knight says. “It’s too early to tell. You’ll see the difference in three years, as opposed to standing on your mountain on passing judgment.”
You out there - take a deep breath. You’ll have your chance to vent. The NBA draft is only 47 days away.
Permalink | Comments (93) | Categories: Hawks / NBA, Mark Bradley
Comments
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By Jay
May 11, 2006 06:55 PM | Link to this
If we draft another 6’8 swingman, Im going to shred all my rumeal robinson rookie cards.
By David Eanes
May 11, 2006 07:15 PM | Link to this
I like the picks he’s made. I like Marvin Williams, though I did believe that a point guard was a more important need for us. I liked getting Joe Johnson. I think Josh Smith will be a great player, and I think Childress will be all right.
But if we take a Rudy Gay, what are we gaining? We keep drafting these players, and we’re drafting them saying they’ll one day mature. However, what good is maturation if Smith, Williams and Gay all play the same position? There’s really no need for a mature third-string SF.
Just my thoughts, and if we get another 6’8” guy I might just pick a new favorite NBA team next year.
Cheers, David
By Ed W.
May 11, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this
Knight shouldn’t care what the fans or media think, although he should be a little less smug about it. Overall, I think it was a good move to blow up the team a few years ago and he has accumulated some talented young players with a lot of potential. I don’t have a problem with him SAYING he would consider taking a swingman - you can’t completely give away what you want to do if you might want to work a trade. However, if he takes Gay or Morrison and it’s not part of a deal, I’ll grab a torch and pitchfork and join the mob.
By mountain_jim
May 11, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this
I just hope the Hawks draft lottery luck changes and they come up with the first pick in spite of the odds - and take the best Center out there.
Well that and I support Knight (though his personality could use a make-over), but one more year for him and his coach is all the time I would give him to prove his plan is sound.
mj
By Hawk4Life
May 11, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this
I don’t care if we draft another 6’8” swing man. As long as the need for a proven point guard is met either through a trade or free agency. The same people who criticize the Hawks endlessly were the same ones that said Joe Johnson was not going to be a star. They agree with ESPN’s Jay Bilas who stated that J Smoove would be the biggest bust in his draft class. BK is right most of the most vociferous detractors know nothing about basketball and sat by quietly while Pete Babcock tried to destroy the once proud Hawks franchise.
By SR
May 11, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this
Good Lord, the epitome of insanity, doing the same thing over and over yet expecting a different result. See the Chris Reitsma horror story. This moron Knight just does not get it. Not only was Chris Paul voted Rookie of the Year, care to guess who was second? That’s right, Deron Williams, the other PG the moron passed on.
By mike
May 11, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this
I may sound crazy to some of you out there, no, most of you out there, but I feel really good about this team and it’s direction! We have an underated and unheraled point guard that has taken many seasons to become seasoned, but he can play. We have a budding superstar in Josh Smith (who by the way has improved is 3 point shot due to COACHING…not by accident), a top tier guard & future superstar in his own right in Johnson, another future superstar in Marvin Williams, a nice complimentay player in Childress (who could be more if he would look for his shot more and be more agressive; he’s a very good shooter), and a future MICROWAVE in Stoudamire. Some would say that we do not have a point, but I would say that we do not have a top of the line center. ZAZA did a very good job and was certainly an upgrade from the previous year, but we need a more dominant and stronger force in the middle more than we need anything else. I really like our team and it’s youth and think we are headed for great things, but there are two things that scare me. #1 The Clippers were for years a team with budding superstars that never materialized until they were all shipped off to toher places, and #2 we got nothing for a player that I do not think we will re-sign, and that is a mistake! I think that Woodson and his staff are excellent teachers, and I think that Knight is a helluva an upgrade over Badcock. It takes time to build a program that can win year in and year out…anyone can mortgage the future for today…we are building a perennial contender!
By Robert
May 11, 2006 09:10 PM | Link to this
If this guy does not admit that not drafting Chris Paul was a mistake, he is an idiot. He also needs to understand that perception matters because we’re the paying customers. What a smug SOB.
By Dave
May 11, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this
6-8 is the ideal size mmmm? Well the ideal GM is someone who addresses the NEEDS of his ballclub! Passing on Chris Paul, it still makes me sick to my stomach! Hey Billy, have a shot of reality; on me. Oh by the way: GET THE HELL OUT OF TOWN!
By Billie Nite
May 11, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this
Screw all of you haters! Rudy Gay and Adam Morrison are #1 and #2 on my draft board BECAUSE they are 6’ 8”. It’s MY team and if you don’t like it then SO WHAT! I don’t care how good Chris Paul was last year, he’s not 6’ 8” so I STILL wouldn’t draft him! As a matter of fact all of you haters can go ahead and become Hornets fans since you love Paul so much!
- Billie Nite, Best Hawks GM Ever!!
By uga4ever
May 11, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this
I was just glad to read an objective column from the AJC. What really p** me off, is How can Billy say he doesn’t care what we think??? No wonder Phillips is always empty. It is fine for you to not let fan issues get under your skin Billy, but don’t say that you “don’t care what they say” We are the customers! Don’t react to what few fans you have left, by just “shrugging them off” I have always been loyal to my Hawks, but it is hard when we have someone with the personality of a ROCK running the team. Go back to Memphis Billy. Oh wait, they fired you and then made the playoffs 2 straight years. If only we could be so lucky. You are becoming the Matt Millen of the NBA- a laughingstock
By St. Bernard
May 11, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this
Here’s what I say….If Knight drafts another 6’8” swingman, and doesn’t get a starting center and pg or lets Harrington walk for nothing….and Knight can watch these guys play by himself all alone at Phillips. I don’t disagree with his previous choices as long as he solves the pg and center positional problems.
By Clyde
May 11, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this
Yes the Hawks are improving but we could have been in the playoffs this year if we would have drafted Josh Howard 2 years ago and Chris Paul this year. FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By Brendan
May 11, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this
Billy Knight, the man who refused to shake Steve Belkin’s hand, has a decision to make. Should he fire Woodson? Should he draft players that cater to Woodson’s strength: Defense. Good and fair questions.
Here’s why you should fire him. His quotes. Yes, yes. Woodson offers up some real doozies. But none WORSE than this juicy pearl of wisdom. “I’m not concerned about our record. Records are records. We can’t control our record.”
No further comment is necessary.
By Justin
May 11, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this
I feel anytime a team finish 3 to last in the NBA for victories, a chnage has to be made. I have nothing against Billy Knight but your thinking is why the Hawks can’t fill the stands with people, why veterans won’t look at ATL when it comes to free agent signings. So many athletes live in our city but none want to play for the Hawks, what does that say about management. Everyone know we need a point guard and we draft Marvin Williams? Boris Diaw is a excellent example of what good management can do for a players career. We have a good head coach in place but we really need to look at the GM position. Al Harrington is as good as gone, we all know that he doesn’t want to keep being apart of a losing franchise and once the contracts expire on our “super” talents of Smith, Childress and Johnson, they will leave also. I love the Hawks but they are a joke of a franchise.
By Clyde
May 11, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this
Its time for some FIRE BILLY AND WOODY t-shirts.
By Scott
May 11, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this
Atlanta Spirit Group — you people are more clueless than anyone can imagine. You keep this moron running your team who drafts the same type player every year, who left Zaza fighting for himself down low, and this same idiot Knight makes fun of your fan base — AND YOU DON’T CARE!!!!! That is the amazing thing, the owners don’t even care that their pathetic choice for GM makes fun of the ticket paying public for having opinions on what’s wrong with this team. It’s not hard to see what’s wrong - no size, no point guard, no defense, and no size again. Yet, the excuses come in from the likes of Mullin, Gearon, etc at nauseum. You all are pathetic, and it’s a shame to us long-time Hawk fans who have to sit through this. Please come back Roundfield, Carr, Doc, Levingston, EJ, Nique, etc. We are stuck with garbage in the front office and on the court.
By WHOPPER DAWG
May 11, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this
If Knight thinks it is ok to whiff on the second pick of the draft, ok to pick yet another swiwngman in the upcoming draft, and progress is continuing to be one of the worst teams of the league, then he is an idiot. However, that is the perfect fit for what is rapidly becoming the worst frachise in the league.
By Rocky
May 11, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this
Basically Billy Knight was voted the worst GM by the press. Hey, Atlanta has a reputation to uphold, Loserville USA. Billy won’t disappoint bringing us back to losing and bad moves. We shoukd feel fortunate for such a GM as we can buy cheap tickets, move close to the floor and watch real entertainment, the cheerleaders.
By BirdDawg
May 12, 2006 12:02 AM | Link to this
Wow, I thought the biggest ego in Georgia belongs to that fat, self-important moron who unfortunately runs the greatest university in the all the land, but I may have to change my mind.
Shame on you, Mark Bradley, for not popping this pompous jackass’s ballon.
You’re supposed to be a journalist, so be one! This guy comes with this weak, egotistical crap, and you don’t take him down? We have Moore and Schultz waste precious energy to try and advance their PC bullcrap ideology upon a private institution, and now you can’t dredge up enough intestitnal fortitude to challenge this idiot when he says he’s going to draft yet another 3?
How many 3’s will this make for this team? Three or four?
How stupid is Knight? He’s got to be just as stupid as Adams, I swear to God.
Both of them suffer from the same disease: DENILE (not a river in Egypt, by the way). They both think they are beloved and are doing a great job. Adams is the most hated man in the millions and millions of the Bulldawg Nation, and now Billy Knight has done the impossible in supplanting Steve Belkin as the most hated man among the dozens and dozens of Hawks fans left in Atlanta.
Way to go!
By JEROME
May 12, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this
I really think the hawks sould trade this lottery pick for a big time rebounding center and a post power forward for a first round draft pick for next year. Bring a proven point guard like Sam Casell, Speedy Claxton or Maubury in and the team will have a surrounding cast of talent to work with . The bench will really be strong with two players coming in at those position.
By uga4ever
May 12, 2006 12:09 AM | Link to this
There is no reason to be complacent and “satisfied” by where the Hawks are. 125 losses in 2 seasons. That is a joke! It is time to get a proven coach- Adelman, Carlisle(when he comes available), etc. We have to be very active in the FA market. Lets go Spirit, wake up!!
By RichieRich
May 12, 2006 12:19 AM | Link to this
HEY CLYDE, I WILL TAKE A XXL IN ONE OF THOSE T-SHIRTS AND WEAR IT TO EVERY GAME.
I HAVE GREAT SEATS, AND THE BEST THING ABOUT THEM IS THAT THEY ARE FREE.
BILLY KNIGHT IS A PIECE OF SH$T…..WHY IS THIS TEAM CURSED TO HAVE SUCH A WORTHLESS GM AND A BRAIN DEAD OWNERSHIP GROUP THAT BACKS THIS A*******WHOLE?
By Jon
May 12, 2006 12:35 AM | Link to this
Billy Knights not as bad as Isiah Thomas….until he trades for Marbury and Francis before the draft lol
By Nookah
May 12, 2006 01:04 AM | Link to this
Relax guys, Billy will be vindicated. Quite frankly the bottom line is we as fans really have nothing to do with decision making, it’s Billy who calls the shots.
So relax, this past season may have been the “tipping point” and next year we will all be blogging about what caused the turnaround.
Hang in there Billy and…..
Go Hawks!!!
By pinball 34
May 12, 2006 02:17 AM | Link to this
Hey everybody, chill… Billy is cool under fire. You can say what you want to right now, but in about 2 years AJC should repost this and see who is bitc*g about Billy…. Oh yeah, Kasten still sucks.
By TD
May 12, 2006 06:50 AM | Link to this
Billy Knight probably knows as much about running a basketball team as he does running the Nuclear Regulatory Comission. Mike Woodson is a better coach than what Knight thought he was when he was hired? Just how bad a coach did he think he was hiring? 6’8” is an ideal size for what position? good grief! this guy is soooooooo lucky he has a job.
By Scott
May 12, 2006 07:09 AM | Link to this
Hawks’ Knight doesn’t care what you think…And I don’t care about the Hawks anymore. Billy Knight is an idiot. People, look at the poor decisions this moron has made.
By Charles
May 12, 2006 07:28 AM | Link to this
This is for Mark Bradley. I really do not understand your commentary at the beginning of this blog. What are you accomplishing? The Hawks are moving in the right direction. Lets be honest Atlanta fans we do not support our teams like we should. However, I agree we do need a big man and a very good point guard who will play hard nose defense and make his team better by creating opportunities for them. The firing of the coach or the gm will set the franchise back another four to five years. If you are really fans you would give this man the type of support that he needs. Unlike Mr. Bradley who is using this blog start the removal of the GM. I ashamed that you print what you printed and make the fans think that he Knight in insensitive to the fans. If that was so he probaly not listen to the talk radio. HMMMMMMM?????
Looking forward to the upcoming draft. I fully expect us to be in the playoffs next year.
Joe Johnson turned down the same amount of money from the Suns to join the Hawks.
By Charles
May 12, 2006 07:28 AM | Link to this
This is for Mark Bradley. I really do not understand your commentary at the beginning of this blog. What are you accomplishing? The Hawks are moving in the right direction. Lets be honest Atlanta fans we do not support our teams like we should. However, I agree we do need a big man and a very good point guard who will play hard nose defense and make his team better by creating opportunities for them. The firing of the coach or the gm will set the franchise back another four to five years. If you are really fans you would give this man the type of support that he needs. Unlike Mr. Bradley who is using this blog start the removal of the GM. I ashamed that you print what you printed and make the fans think that he Knight in insensitive to the fans. If that was so he probaly not listen to the talk radio. HMMMMMMM?????
Looking forward to the upcoming draft. I fully expect us to be in the playoffs next year.
Joe Johnson turned down the same amount of money from the Suns to join the Hawks.
By h_charles
May 12, 2006 07:39 AM | Link to this
Finally, at least a bit of criticism from the press!! My question is what took so long!! If the Braves or Falcons has stumbled around so blindly, even for 1/2 a season, heads would have rolled. Reeves gets fired 1 year removed from the Birds best season ever, just b/c Vick got hurt. Cox wins division titles every year, and still gets grilled for not winning the big one. Yet, for some reason, this idiot Knight can make the poorest decisions of any GM in the game, act smug and contrite about it, and still get a free pass under the guise of “we are improving.”
Mr. Knight said “improvement takes time” B.S.! Jerry West turned the Grizzlies from doormats to a yearly playoff team in in one season — all without the benefit of the lofty draft status afforded the Hawks on a yearly basis. Someone please tell me — why do the Hawks get such a free pass in this city???
By dap
May 12, 2006 07:50 AM | Link to this
Does anyone have confidence that our needs will be adddressed. BK has made some good decisions but he does not deserve the right to be smug. He has bungled as much as he has gotten right. I want him to do a good job. We are improving. But who would be surprised if we sign Harrington and we are not able to trade him. Who would be surprised if we drafted a Small Forward. I am tired of hearing about Diaw. He was better utilized this year by better management and coaching. The seats are empty at Phillips yet our GM acts like we are undeserving fans. We need a point guard, we need a big strong presence or two. I hope that BK is the one that gets everything done. But at the moment he needs to stop with the “I am smarter than anyone else about basketball attitude”.
By dap
May 12, 2006 07:51 AM | Link to this
Does anyone have confidence that our needs will be adddressed. BK has made some good decisions but he does not deserve the right to be smug. He has bungled as much as he has gotten right. I want him to do a good job. We are improving. But who would be surprised if we sign Harrington and we are not able to trade him. Who would be surprised if we drafted a Small Forward. I am tired of hearing about Diaw. He was better utilized this year by better management and coaching. The seats are empty at Phillips yet our GM acts like we are undeserving fans. We need a point guard, we need a big strong presence or two. I hope that BK is the one that gets everything done. But at the moment he needs to stop with the “I am smarter than anyone else about basketball attitude”.
By Reality
May 12, 2006 07:52 AM | Link to this
Billy Knight’s career record speaks for itself. And in 2 years it will still speak for itself. And in 5 years he will be a distant memory in Atlanta.
By cpa
May 12, 2006 08:02 AM | Link to this
Knight might be 2 years into his “process”, but Hawks followers and observers — I wouldn’t call myself a fan — are going on 30-40 years of a mess — from the days of Coke-head Drew to trying to build a team around Dominique — a wonderful individual talent but less than stellar team player — to trotting out Chris Washburn as someone fans could warm up to and it goes on and on
Can any Hawks follower really name more than 1-2 of their draft picks over the years? John “Contract” doesn’t count — he’s in a class by himself.
Knight can challenge himself and delude himself into thinking he’s doing a wonderful job but until he understands why it is difficult for Atlantans to take the Hawks seriously there will be a disconnect between himself (the face of the franchise) and the fans.
They’re annoyed he doesn’t seem to “feel their pain” and his smugness and “know it all” attitude are furtber alienating people who might still support the franchise
By Mart
May 12, 2006 08:13 AM | Link to this
Hang in there, Billy! You rock! Hawks in ‘07!
By PoliticalMan
May 12, 2006 08:14 AM | Link to this
Thank God for corporate season ticket packages. Based on filled seats, the Hawks would be out of business. But who would care if the whole NBA went out business. The NHL sat out for a year and who cared?
As far as I am concerned the NBA died when Larry Bird couldn’t go anymore. MJ leaving the second time, not the third, completely sealed it. I used to watch NBA games from beginning to end. Now, I can take maybe 5 minutes.
As far as the future: the Hawks have a very few reasonably talented players who might get 5 mins of playing time with Detroit in a laugher. With Harrington gone, they have to improve to stay even. Prediction: 30 wins 2006-07. Woodson gone after or during season.
By Danny
May 12, 2006 08:27 AM | Link to this
Just need to be patient and not go crazy. Lets build a young team that will grow togehter. Hawks can still make some moves. I see us signing Nene Hilario a restricted Free agent to a contract. Maybe making a trade and bringing in Kwame Brown for some more size. Drafting Aldridge, Tyrus Thomas or Rudy Gay. Doing a sign and trade for Harrington maybe for an extra pick and getting Marcus Williams PG for UCONN..
By Wink from Lithonia
May 12, 2006 08:27 AM | Link to this
GM Billy Knight is nuts. This guy has a George Bush complex. He can make a mistake, agree he made it and still stand pat on his action taken. He says he never judges a guy after one year, but he shipped Boris Diaw out after one year, why because the guy could not function as a 6’8” point guard, but this judgement was made after one year. We get back Joe Johnson, and after one year, his assessment if was a success. LISTEN UP - Mr Knight, but he’s no point guard either. You need a point guard, someone to run the show in the fourth quarter of all these close games you had this year. Now if playing close is your sign of improvement, instead of being so smug & laid back, just say that! Every successful team in the playoffs has a starting point guard that better than any Hawk you have on your roster. Now if you can get your 6’8” point guard in this draft, at least find one that has the same qualities or better than your back up point guard Ty Lue (he’s the best you got). Can you please watch some film on the Detroit Pistons to understand what defined roles can do for a team regardless of size. Also, since you prefer smaller players with versatility - give some thought to studying how Phoenix is able to succeed with players this size…oh yeah they have a POINT GUARD…Billy can you say MVP 2 times fast!!!! Just food for thought! (Shareef for Pal Gasol..very good…LOL
By ScoobySnacks
May 12, 2006 08:33 AM | Link to this
AAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH Okay I’m happy that at least there is a plan. Although, Billy won’t clue us in to what that plan might be. Apparently, there is also a philosophy in place. Albeit enigmatic, convoluted, complex, complicated, tortuous, and possibly plain crazy. If we can at least grab another Zaza ( a “big” who produces way beyond his actual ability), then I suppose I won’t completely abandon ship. But I have my swim trunks ready and I know where all the life rafts are. (Please exit the Hawks fan club in the order you arrived)
By RPH
May 12, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this
Billy Knight is an idiot! I guarantee the hawks would have won more games last year and future years with chris paul at point. I will roll in the floor if BK drafts another small forward. I’m actually already laughing that he said it, oh that and his famous I don’t think we really need a point guard quote. I’ve actually decided to root for BK to turn this into the biggest cluster f*ck of all time. Come on Bk draft another one of your athletic 6’8 players, fantastic plan!!
By War Eagle
May 12, 2006 08:38 AM | Link to this
Mind over matter-I don’t mind the Hawks as I don’t go to their games and it don’t matter what Billy Knight thinks-whatever comes out of his mouth just re affirms that he is a jerk and probably got the job because he is black. He is a bad GM in my opinion and when Memphis threw his Black a* out-they went to the playoffs-hmmm-coincidence? No-Mr. West got tired of this idiot making bad decisions and got someone that can think and put quality/needed positionplayers on the court-lo and behold-Memphis is a competitive team and making the playoffs. Stay away from Basketball Hawks people. Show Mr. Knight that you will not be taken advantage of. Boycott Basketball!
By Fury
May 12, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this
It’s time to “rise up” Atlanta and get this Clown (Knight) out of here. With free agency (and having a lottery pick) there is no need to build a team over a 2 year period. Keep making excuses, Billy. Your assessment of talent is laughable.
By HAS 1
May 12, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this
Mr. Knight should be smoking something, if he is not. The Hawks are a disgrace to the NBA, not to mention Atlanta.
With all the talent they have, and to perform at below mediocracy reflects on Knight and Woodson.
They both need to go !!!!
By Paul
May 12, 2006 08:56 AM | Link to this
Some guys are good at tearing down and some guys are good at building. In getting rid of some bad contracts, Knight made the Hawks so uncompetitive that the team was well positioned in the draft for a couple of years. That was good. But he’s not doing the building job. Taking Childress over Luol Deng and Williams over Chris Paul were mistakes even he would admit on truth serum. Letting Harrington walk without getting anything in return will be another one. The good news is that Knight will get a couple of more high draft picks before he finally gets canned. The bad news is that he won’t use them wisely. When he hits the door, Hawks fans will care about him just as much as he seems to care about them.
By Jonathan
May 12, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this
If everyone wants a point guard so bad, why not look to the 2nd round for Daniel Gibson out of Texas? Kid looks like a potential second coming of Chauncey Billups and we all know what Billups has done with his career.
As for the 1st round, I believe we should pick Patrick O’Bryant out of Bradley. Patrick is a better Center than Aldridge. Only true knock on him, other than he is trying to get used to his size, is the character issues from his Sophmore season (Suspended by the NCAA for the first 8 games of his sophomore season due to getting paid for work he didn’t do while on his summer job); he has been a model citizen ever since.
Only reason I do not like Aldridge is that I have not seen enough games to give any solid opinion; I will say this, the few (maybe 2-4 games) ones I have seen him play he looked as if he plays too soft. Woodson’s “tough love” type of coaching could correct that.
By David MacDavid
May 12, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this
So if he admits that he should have taken Deng and Paul, exactly what does that do for the ocnfidence of Childress and Williams? Why would you expect a GM to say to 2 of his principle players that they were mistakes? To appease the fan base or media? That’s just stupid. Mark Bradley, if you’re so interested in this team, why have you written like 3 columns over the span of the past 6 months? Seems like you just want to parachute in and take a few cheap shots. Go back to whatever you were doing. If Rich McKay said that he was the resident football expert and Scherholtz said the same about baseball, would we have any problems? Shouldn’t the GM of our local professional basketball team know more about building a team than the fan base or disinterested columinists? We get upset when sports people give us those PR-friendly sound bites. Knight comes out and says that he is confident in his players, coach and the direction of the team and for that, he gets ridiculed. Whatever, dude!
By Jonathan
May 12, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this
Just had a realization and checked it at the Hawks website. Why all of a sudden is Billy saying he would like to draft another swingman type of player? Before Billy would just talk about how they were looking at a lot of good young players, really talented players, etc.
Possible smokescreen??? Most of you may doubt it, but it is possible.
By BeFrank
May 12, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this
Let me make a few points: 1. This article is not objective (as someone stated). The going in position for Mark’s column is clearly against Billy Knight. I’m sure other parts of the conversation were excerpted. I know this because BK and Coach Woodson took an hour out of their busy schedule to sit down with me (Joe Public) and 3 of my buddies to answer any and every question we had about the direction of the team. 2. Billy has taken a sound approach to re-building what was a disaster of a team. We are now fiscally sound (like we never were before) and we are stockpiling talent. If you look at Chicago’s model you can see a program that is a couple of years ahead of our schedule BUT it is the same type of approach. Billy is doing what Paxson has already proven will work as Chicago is stocked with young talent, good cap space, draft picks and a playoff product. We will get there soon! 3. Billy K. is a very good talent evaluator—which is also something we did not have previously. He is drafting talented guys WITH character! Boris Diaw proves that he is a good talent evaluator. Diaw wasn’t successful here because of his own lack of confidence. He was given every chance in the world to succeed! (Look at Leandro Barbarso in Phoenix—a non-US player who had to work to get his NBA confidence up and now he is doing well.) Josh, Josh, Marvin, Salim, Zaza and Joe are all results of a good talent evaluation…and you can’t argue with that! 4. Coach Woodson’s team played night after night without quitting—which is a direct reflection of the coach. The team NEVER stopped listening to him. Look at Larry Brown’s situation where the team quit on him long before the season ended. We have a great coach and we will see it next year. This coach has no veterans to work with so he had to use the season to TEACH these players and that’s great. No, he is not perfect but he keeps getting better and better…just like our team. You will see that by 2008 we will have a team that others will be very envious of because of the talent.
5. Final points — We have a GM that is good at evaluating talent (players and coaches). We have a GM who understands sound fiscal management. We have a coach who understands how to teach DEFENSE—which wins championships. If they do not last past next year it will be because we were not patient enough to see the fruits of their labor! The Hawks will be successful because of the foundation that has been reconstructed—with or without our comments. We need to get on a “support our team” bandwagon instead of critizing from the couch! Go HAWKS!!!!!!
By DKM
May 12, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this
Billy Knight should be more concerned about his job and Mike Woodson’s. This team should have made the playoffs this year in the mediocre East. Mike cannot get this team to win as long as he allows players to shoot 3s on the final play of the game when we are down by one or tied. I like Mike Woodson a lot, but Al Harrington or Josh Smith shooting a 3 instead of driving to the basket with the game on the line doesn’t make sense. Rick Adelman, a perennial playoff coach, is available Billy and it is time for you to prove yourself capable and let your friend go and hire him! If you cannot do this then resign and let someone else do it! These young Hawks need to respect their coach and Adelman has the credentials to get them to the next level. You fired an interim coach that led his team into the playoffs this year and Woodson is a great person, but we need a coach who the referees and players respect!
By THL
May 12, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this
Thank you BeFrank!
War Eagle, if you have a problem with black people (as evidenced by your comments and don’t try to deny it), why do you watch basketball?
If Billy said that he doesn’t care what the fans think then he should probably rephrase since the fans make all of sports go. But, as evidenced by the comments on these blogs about what the Hawks should do, fans don’t need to make team decisions. Anyone can say what was a good move and a bad move three years down the road so stop second guessing like you all knew all along that certain people would develop certain ways.
I think building a young, talented team will be the best long-term solution. Yes, keeping Jason Terry or drafting Chris Paul would have given us a hell of a backcourt but Marvin will turn out to be a good pick. Who says we can’t start two SFs that can give you points, rebounds, steals, and blocks. Look at the frame on Josh Smith…he can definitely get stronger and his jumping ability can make up for a lack of height (anyone heard of a 6’9” center by the name of Ben Wallace?).
I don’t know why there’s so much hate and impatience for Billy, Woodson, and this franchise. Noone is coming to the games right now anyway. This team is worth watching though and if you look at them, they are ready to win. Maybe not with another SF but they are closer than a lot of you give them credit for.
By BigPappa
May 12, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this
The Hawks are a joke. Their problems begin at the top-poor ownership group with no synergy,losing their a* on their investment. Billy is a jerk. He’ll be updating his resume by mid season next year. Maybe the Nuclear Regulatory Commission would be a good place for Mr. Knight. He certainly has a caustic, almost toxic personality. How can a GM remain so cocky in the midst of horrible performance.It’s like he could care less if anyone is interested in heading to Phillips to watch a game-and wears it on his sleave.No need to refinance your mortgage Billy, you might however start looking for a good real estate agent.
By THL
May 12, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this
Thank you BeFrank!
War Eagle, if you have a problem with black people (as evidenced by your comments and don’t try to deny it), why do you watch basketball?
If Billy said that he doesn’t care what the fans think then he should probably rephrase since the fans make all of sports go. But, as evidenced by the comments on these blogs about what the Hawks should do, fans don’t need to make team decisions. Anyone can say what was a good move and a bad move three years down the road so stop second guessing like you all knew all along that certain people would develop certain ways.
I think building a young, talented team will be the best long-term solution. Yes, keeping Jason Terry or drafting Chris Paul would have given us a hell of a backcourt but Marvin will turn out to be a good pick. Who says we can’t start two SFs that can give you points, rebounds, steals, and blocks. Look at the frame on Josh Smith…he can definitely get stronger and his jumping ability can make up for a lack of height (anyone heard of a 6’9” center by the name of Ben Wallace?).
I don’t know why there’s so much hate and impatience for Billy, Woodson, and this franchise. Noone is coming to the games right now anyway. This team is worth watching though and if you look at them, they are ready to win. Maybe not with another SF but they are closer than a lot of you give them credit for.
By BeFrank
May 12, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this
You’re welcome THL!
By uga4ever
May 12, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this
How can anyone support what Billy has done? Lets see- He was 68-178 with Vancouver/Memphis and now he is 39-125 with the Hawks. 107-303 in 5 yrs as a GM. Let me repeat 107-303!!!!!!!!!!! How can anyone in their right mind defend his records as a GM. That is a joke! I love the Hawks, but Billy needs to go. Once, Memphis finally fired him and Jerry West took over… they go to the playoffs 2 straight years. CMON!! I don’t care if you are red, white, black, etc… Those #’s are a disgrace
By Bigmuddy
May 12, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this
Now everyone shold know why fans in Phoenix hope and pray that “Good ole Billy” stays in Atlanta as GM for many years. What an egotistical moron.
By Dan Roundfield
May 12, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this
While it’s probably true I don’t know as much about basketball as the highly esteemed Billy Knight I do know one thing. His record of the team he leads here and while in Memphis have been dismal. His trade history and personel moves leaves much to be desired. And if he wants more fans to get involved he better at least act like he cares. It’s not like fans are beating down the door to see his team full of 6’8” swingmen. His smug comments leave an impression on an already indifferent fan base. Keep up the good work Billy!
By uga4ever
May 12, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this
How can anyone support what Billy has done? Lets see- He was 68-178 with Vancouver/Memphis and now he is 39-125 with the Hawks. 107-303 in 5 yrs as a GM. Let me repeat 107-303!!!!!!!!!!! How can anyone in their right mind defend his records as a GM. That is a joke! I love the Hawks, but Billy needs to go. Once, Memphis finally fired him and Jerry West took over… they go to the playoffs 2 straight years. CMON!! I don’t care if you are red, white, black, etc… Those #’s are a disgrace
By Traceman
May 12, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this
UGA, like him or not, Billy had every bit as much to do with acquiring the talent Memphis has as Jerry West did. When Jerry West got to Memphis, Pau Gasol, Shane Battier, Jason Williams, Lorenzen Wright and Stromile Swift were already there as a result of Billy’s draft picks and trades. Who has Jerry West acquired since that time who is better than any of those guys? I think Memphis made it to the playoffs because Gasol, Battier and Co. got better after 3 years or so in the league and because they hire coaches in Brown and Fratello who knew how to reach young players.
All that said, I think this is the year that we need to see significant improvement in the team. I support Billy’s eforts but I don’t agree with all his decisions. We shall see if he is correct that he knows what is best. Honestly, I don’t think we are that far away from being a solid team. More than anything, our young guys need to mature and we need size up front. I’d like to see us add a PG as well but I think adding size (whether at Center or PF)is a bigger priority.
By uga4ever
May 12, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this
Traceman- it was West who hired Fratello and Brown. Gasol and co. have said that is the reason (Coach Brown and Coach Fratello) that Memphis have been having the success they have. Knights two coaching decisions are Sidney Lowe and Mike Woodson. Both are solid assistants. We need a proven coach who can manage and develop these young players. Every year in the draft, there is one player in the draft that is a FRANCHISE player. Last year, that was Chris Paul. Marvin will be a pretty good player. He has drawn many comparisons to a player like Jerry Stackhouse. He will always be “pretty good” but not a franchise player.
By Ryder
May 12, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this
I trust that Knight knows what he is doing. I’m glad that he’s not out there listening to fickle fans and a turncoat media who’s quick to blast every move he’s made. Paul is going to be a solid player, but I believe Marvin Williams will become an exceptional player, without peer. Hopefully it will be on display while he’s in a Hawks uniform.
I do hope Knight remembers one thing from this previous season, and that a lot of games were lost down the strech due to two main factors: the lack of a defensive presence in the paint to get rebounds & until JJ stepped up a lack of leadership.
The Hawks need a true PF rather than a PG in the draft. It really doesn’t help the team to get another swingman. If the PF is 6’8, that’s fine, just so as long as that player can get defensive rebounds and play a low post presence defensively. I see Josh Smith becoming that role in a year or two but I really hope that Knight spends wisely and adds veterans to this team. That will get Atlanta into the playoffs and contend.
By Jamie
May 12, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this
BeFrank- what are you smoking? We are as “fiscally sound than ever before” WHAT???? Have you been living under a rock?
By Khao$
May 12, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this
Billy Knight is a certified idiot. Plain and simple. As much as the Hawks got gashed in the paint last year and had problems distributing the ball, this guy sounds like he’d actually consider drafting another swingman. This is insane!But you know who’s really the blame? The Atlanta Spirit Group. They are allowing him to continue this rebuilding travesty. Billy sounds like he’s doing Hawks fans a favor. Try this Mr. Knight: we’ve been in a losing situation for seven years. Alot of that is not your fault because Babcock was the cause of it. But don’t tell us not to be impatient. We’ve been rebuilding forever. Show us that you actually care that the City of Atlanta wants a winner instead satisfying for jones for more swingmen.
By Traceman
May 12, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this
UGA - I agree with you regarding Brown and Fratello. I think that there is no question that the right veteran coach can have a tremendous impact on young players due to the respect factor. I HOPE Woodson can have that kind of impact but it is still too early to tell in my opinion.
As for Marvin, I think it is still too early to tell what his ceiling is but I think it is higher than Jerry Stackhouse. I think he will be a far more complete player than Stack ever was. In fact, I’m still not ready to say that Chris Paul will DEFINITELY be better than Marvin 3 or 4 years from now. Anyone who thought Marvin was going to be better than Paul this year was nuts but Marvin was not drafted for what he would do this year but rather for what we HOPE he will do down the road. Time will tell if BK was right.
By uga4ever
May 12, 2006 12:02 PM | Link to this
Traceman: I agree! I hope that the Stack’s comparison is wrong. I hope that Marvin develops and becomes what a lot of people thought. Paul was more NBA ready than Williams. Time will tell!!
By Eric
May 12, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this
Mark, for some reason, you seem to think taking the impatient approach the Hawks used to have (i.e. get rid of all your players, fire your coach every few years) would be a better strategy. It’s ever worked for the Hawks…and you prove BK’s point that you know nothing about running this team.
Are we going to make people want to play in Atlanta overnight?
Marvin Williams would have been a sophmore in college this year. Chris Paul would have been a Junior…2 other teams passed on him as well…and the Bucks got the player with far less upside. Deron Williams did not have that great of a rookie year, either.
Would I have liked to have Chris Paul? Sure. Do I think we’ll regret taking Marvin? Nope.
When I look at the guys he’s drafted, I have to say I’m pretty satisfied. Salim, the Joshes, Marvin, Royal Ivey…all have contributed to this team. He’s made solid FA pickups in Zaza and Joe J. Woody’s shown the ability to develop young talent, and that is what the Hawks need right now. Not a quick fix. Mediocre basketball would draw the same attendance as what we have now.
I don’t expect the Hawks to take a PG this draft, because there probably isn’t one worth spending a top 5 pick on. I hope they can get one in free agency, but I would prefer they go for the best player available at their pick…regardless of position. The modern game takes more than 5 good players to win.
By Eric
May 12, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this
Mark, for some reason, you seem to think taking the impatient approach the Hawks used to have (i.e. get rid of all your players, fire your coach every few years) would be a better strategy. It’s ever worked for the Hawks…and you prove BK’s point that you know nothing about running this team.
Are we going to make people want to play in Atlanta overnight?
Marvin Williams would have been a sophmore in college this year. Chris Paul would have been a Junior…2 other teams passed on him as well…and the Bucks got the player with far less upside. Deron Williams did not have that great of a rookie year, either.
Would I have liked to have Chris Paul? Sure. Do I think we’ll regret taking Marvin? Nope.
When I look at the guys he’s drafted, I have to say I’m pretty satisfied. Salim, the Joshes, Marvin, Royal Ivey…all have contributed to this team. He’s made solid FA pickups in Zaza and Joe J. Woody’s shown the ability to develop young talent, and that is what the Hawks need right now. Not a quick fix. Mediocre basketball would draw the same attendance as what we have now.
I don’t expect the Hawks to take a PG this draft, because there probably isn’t one worth spending a top 5 pick on. I hope they can get one in free agency, but I would prefer they go for the best player available at their pick…regardless of position. The modern game takes more than 5 good players to win.
By Jamie
May 12, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this
Lets not forget Billy’s first 2 tries at acquiring a big man. He wooed and pursued Dampier and Kenyon Martin by offering them maximum contracts. Despite Billy’s efforts, they chose not to come. We all know how that turned out. Martin suspended indefinitely and Dampier riding the pine. I am glad they decided not to come. You say he is a good judge?
By Rutuger
May 12, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this
Dear Billy Knight,
This team has punished its fans for supporting it for the larger part of its existence, including the past seven consecutive years. This continued failure has recently left you with blessings—top draft picks. You wasted one on Josh Childress, but Smith was a solid pick. Diaw is gone and is now amazing, same with Jason Terry. You landed Joe Johnson, which was nice, but you really blew it when you threw away last year’s all-important pick on a kid who had never even started a college game and plays a position we are saturated with.
The coach you hired has posted a record that would make even Pete Babcock cringe in disgust. Now, you have added another dimension to your sabotage of this franchise—your mouth.
Your blundered draft picks speak enough to your lack of a clue, and your brash, arrogant, ignorant words make you appear even dumber. People in this town are dying to care about the Hawks, but you may as well be standing at the Philips Arena box office with a chainsaw and hockey mask.
Hell, even the Clippers are competing this year, and their owner tries everything in his power to prevent it! When you fail consistently, the worst thing you can say is, “I know more than anybody.” Really? That’s strange. How the hell come you haven’t shown it yet? We’re ready!
Sincerely,
Every Hawks fan (a group of which you are rapidly depleting)
By S Tony
May 12, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this
I don’t beleive I read a QUOTE from Billy Knight saying that he doesn’t care what the fans think. That’s Mark Bradley’s editorial interpretation. Billy Knight’s no dummy. Chris Paul had a good rookie season and helped the Hornets tremendously. However, I do not think he would have made that dramatic a difference with the Hawks. Sure point guard was/is a need here, but no one passes on a talent like Marvin Williams sitting at #2 in the draft. If you move down, then you take Chris Paul, but you do NOT pass on a Marvin Williams. Probably 90% of GMs had Bogut-Williams 1-2 in last year’s draft, and taking anyone other than 1 of those 2 would have been comparable to the texans taking Mario Williams over Reggie Bush. Assuming the obvious departure of Al Harrington, Williams’ PTS-REBS progression should be 15-7 in 06-07, 19-8 in 07-08, and average around 21-22 & 8-9 in his prime. Chris Paul while putting up an impactful 16 pts and 7 assists this season, will likely average not a whole whole lot more than that over his career. While those are good numbers, I like where Marvin’s going a lot more. I think Marcus Williams from UCONN can step in here at PG next year have just as much of an impact as Paul did this past season. If they can get him, along with some interior defense in free agency, they will be a playoff team in 2007.
By S Tony
May 12, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this
I do agree w Jamie on Billy’s attempts to spend bad $ on Kenyon Martin, Erick Dampier, and let’s not forget Sam Dalembert, who’s trash up in Philly right now. I’m glad none of them showed up here.
By Steve Belkin
May 12, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this
Memorable Quotes:
about Marvin he’s “GOING TO BE” a heck of a player
vs.
about Paul he “IS” a good player.
When will the Hawks draft for now and not potential?
By Tyger
May 12, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this
Billy Knight, GM of the Year
The biggest threat to the Atlanta Hawks is Broke Back Belkin, not BK. For the Johnnie-come-lately, this article may be amusing. But for the hard-core ole’ school veterans, we know the real deal.
This franchise was sabatoged by Snake Kasten and P** Pete Babcock, who couldnt throw a rock into the ocean on draft night, but somehow always kept his job and stayed in the good graces of the local media. Go figure?
We experienced some success under Lenny Wilkens, with 6 straight playoffs, but he too was fired for no logical reason. Now, the playoffs are the holy grail. Then, 6 straight playoffs was just blow’in in the wind.
How about a championship? Now, BK is on track to build us a championship team. We’ve had the best drafts in 20 years and you have the gall to criticize them, where were you when the Adam Keefe’s and Cal Bowdlers of the world filled out the roster?
We have a young exciting team with a core of outstanding players to build around. If BK thinks adding a 6-8 Rudy Gay or Rodney Carney or Brandon Roy is the way to go b/c they are the best available then so be it.
We need bigs in the worst way and besides LaMarcus Aldridge, there arent any at the top of the draft.
This nonsense about having too many swing players is stupid. Having a backup for JJ is a need, he cant play 48 min. every night, AL probably will move on, and Donta isnt a lock either. So all we have all JJ, JC, JS, and Marvin. And they dont all play the same position at the same time.
By Jerry
May 12, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this
Billy is crazy!!! He could have had Josh Howard instead of Diaw, Luol Deng instead of Childress and Chris Paul instead of M. Williams. Tell me that a starting 5 of Paul, J.Johnson, A. Harrington, L. Deng and Zsa Zsa would not have made the playoffs in the east. Any GM could help a team improve from 13 wins. If you do not want to be second guessed then earn it.
By MATT
May 12, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this
Y’all, who really cares, this is NBA basketball. Our priorties are 99% with the Dawgs and 1% with the Braves.
If the Hawks had Neck Beard and Kobe Steaks and won it all, I still would not go.
The fact that Billy Knight still has a job shows how stupid ownership is. You fire a guy based on these results.
By MATT
May 12, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this
Chris Paul was not a no brainer pick, he had just slapped Julius Hodges nuts.
And by the way, how can you draft Childress if you brought him in to work out. The guy has the ugliest shot in the league.
George Murasean has a better jumper.
Don’t forgot legendary 1st Rounder Adam Quief either
By MATT
May 12, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this
Does anybody know whatever happened to Matt Geiger, we could use another body
By Harry Hawk
May 12, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this
S Tony, this is what Billy Knight said:
“I hear people on sports shows,” he says, “and I think that person has as much business talking about basketball as I do running the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.”
and
“Guys are running around saying, ‘Point guard, point guard.’ But what if I don’t agree with that? … I find [such talk] a little humorous and entertaining.”
You’re right. Billy Knight didn’t say, “I don’t care what the fans think”, but he certainly implied it.
Good way to put butts in the seats, BK. If I owned that team, I’d fire him right now. Maybe another GM could find some complimentary players and get this team in the playoffs.
By RPH
May 12, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this
Ummm Tyger, let’s look at your statment. Babcock sucks(which I agree totally) and they drafted poorly but went to the playoffs 6 straight seasons. Hmmm. Now you say BK has done an incredible job and we have drafted well but we are the laughing stock of the nba. I don’t know but your argument has a few holes. I do remember the hawks also having to go through MJ and the nba champion bulls a few times, which is a pretty tough task any way you look at it. Keep kidding yourselves that BK is a great gm.
By Clyde
May 12, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this
Look here. The Nuggets fired Kiki because they lost in the first round of the playoffs. That is a winning attitude. Bump making the playoffs the Nuggets want a championship. The Hawks on the other hand pat Billy on the back for winning 26 games this year. As Margin Gaye said “WHAT”S GOING ON?” Or in modern day terms WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON? I want my Hawks to win a championship before I go. And I don’t see that happening with Billy at the helm.
I’m a 28 year old black male and I’ll keep saying FIRE BILLY AND WOODY. T-shirts on sale soon. FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By Bill E. Nighthater
May 12, 2006 02:49 PM |