ajcsportstalk

By DunwoodyDawg

May 7, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

Good riddance. Billy don’t let the door hit on the way out.

By You Know It

May 7, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

Thanks Billy! I hope Mikey Mike is the next to walk out the door.

By vito

May 7, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

ITS ABOUT TIME IS WOODSON GOING 2

By roger

May 7, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

While i know hind sight is always 20-20, just some of the draft choices were the problems I mean how many 6-6, and 6-7 forward-guard guys can you get when you know point guard has been our demise since Mookie was sent packing-no disrespect to Marvin Williams but Chris Paul should be a Hawk-and also just two words-Speedy Claxton-Eye for Talent is what we need-not guys taking the popular pick

By kaz

May 7, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

He did bring talent and you could make an argument that Mike Woodson’s playcalling was subpar. But Billy never knew how to put together a mixture of veterans and young players. He was never going to put us over the top.

By Pete

May 7, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

I was never too happy with his draft picks.

By Joe Cool

May 7, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

I think it was a good decision. This past season was the pinnacle for him in Atlanta. The Chris Paul decision will haunt him and this franchise for a long time to come.

The new GM has some tough decisions: What to do with the Joshes, Is Bibby the answer, and where can we find a serviceable big man.

By Pete Babcock

May 7, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

first

By Don Vito

May 7, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Awesome! His resignation doesn’t begin until after this year’s draft so he’ll get one more opportunity to set the Hawks back again. What garbage player will he take this year? Jon Koncak, Jr. perhaps?

By KobeMVP

May 7, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

The KNIGHTmare is over. Could have had Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Brandon Roy, etc. Could have had Joe Johnson or just the mega contract, without giving up all the draft picks.

Thankfully the Horford draft pick was too obvious for even him to screw up or he’d have taken another Sheldon Williams.

You have set this franchise back 10 years Billy Boy, i doubt anyone in the league starts as many lottery pick as we do.

Good Riddance.

By CONGA

May 7, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

WOW! A few years too late, now Wooderson needs to be shown the door and also the Atlanta Spirit management team as well. The black cloud over this franchise is breaking up but is still there. I’m sure we’ll have some blacks complain that he was black, but he resigned under his own admission.

By cheese

May 7, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

now its time for the atlanta spirit group to resign!!!!!

By Dan

May 7, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

He should have resigned years ago. I will never forgive Knight for passing up on Chris Paul. Now that Knight is gone, my boycott of the Hawks is over.

By Richard

May 7, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

This decision is 3 years too late, if you ask me. Good point from Don Vito that he’ll get a chance to screw things up one more time….oh yeah, the Hawks don’t have a draft pick this year!

By sweetd

May 7, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

Don Vito, We don’t have a pick in this year’s draft.

By 1 more thing

May 7, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

Finally! Woodson start packing.

How many years can you keep saying “we are rebuilding”. The fans deserve a better product than a bunch of teenage millionaires.
This is not day care. Every team in the playoffs winning - has a mix of veterans/newbies/international players.

Bibby was the smartest move they made. But he couldn’t carry the entire team, and YEARS of postseason inexperience.

Whose idea was it to keep trying to build a playoff caliber team with - ALL 20 year olds - should have been fired long ago.

By CP3MVP09

May 7, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Thankgod BK was to stupid to draft me, with the ACC in his own backyard i was bigtime worried. Small Forwards baby…he collects them like Gruden collects quarterbacks.

I still can’t believe he gave the Suns all those draft picks, EVERYBODY in the leagues knew nobody was going to match that mega offer, they had to pay Nash, Stoudamire, Marion, etc. Billy Boy can’t even do simple math. You got hosed.

Cp3 p.s. Lakers your next. Nobody has an answer 4me.

By ScoobySnacks

May 7, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

I for one would like to demand that Dominique Wilkins be immediately named GM. Without question it is about time!!!

By TG

May 7, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

What took so long you needed a point guard and you select the six man ( Marvin Williams) off a national championship team….who has is not athletic and a liabilty on both ends of the court…. see ya DON KING

By kaz

May 7, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Conga,

Not a black issue. Pete Babcock’s mess is what made it even more difficult to rebuild. Real Hawks fans don’t forget the full picture.

By Dumbing Down

May 7, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

Knight’s arrogance and incompetence was so obvious, and the ATL Spirit Group was CLUELESS after six years? Nope, BELKIN was right from the beginning! Get gone Knight and get on the ball Spirit!

By tbone

May 7, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Can he take Waddell & the ASG with him?

By nbafan

May 7, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Hawks Record the year before Knight took over. 35-47

6 years later: 35-47

“2002-03 35 47 .427
2003-04 28 54 .341
2004-05 13 69 .188
2005-06 26 56 .317
2006-07 30 52 .366
2007-08 37 45 .451”

How many lottery picks? How many times did he not take the best player on the board, how can one man do so much damage to an organization. Now with the huge Bibby contract were cash strapped yet again?

They can’t even re-sign Josh Smith early in the year so now they are going to be paying him a ton more money.

Ownership, GM, Coaching, what a mess, Atlanta deserves better.

By C

May 7, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Atlanta has a basketball team? Who knew?

By Hawkin

May 7, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Two words: Chris Paul. Don’t let the door hit you in the butt on the way out dummy.

By Michael Scharff

May 7, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

I am an occasional reader but a first time reponder to this blog, so please forgive me if what I am about to sugfgest has already been discussed. I think that we have the perfect candidate to replace Billy as GM. I would love to see Dominique step up to the plate and take over the reigns. I think that he could do a terrific job.

By #1LADYHAWK

May 7, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

HIP-HIP HOOORAY! THE BILLY KNIGHTMARE IS OUTA HERE!!! HE NEEDS TO TAKE HIS BOY, WOODY WOODPECKER WITH HIM. GOOD BYE TO BOTH OF THOSE SCUMBAGS. THEY HAVE TORN THIS TEAM APART. THE PLAYERS MADE THIS SEASON HAPPEN AND NOT THEM! I HOPE THAT WOODPECKER GETS THE MESSAGE AND PACKS HIS BAGS TOO. I AM SURE THAT THE PLAYERS ARE HAVING A BIG PARTY TONIGHT!!IT IS A GREAT DAY IN ATLANTA. THIS IS THE BEST NEWS SINCE THE OLYMPICS:)

AND I’M OUT!!~

By osg

May 7, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

give thr trio of moore, schultz and bradley (curley, larry, moe), a chance to run things. they would give us an nba chap by next year.

By Scott

May 7, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

It’s about time!! When Marvin Williams slammed Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo in game seven and he walked to the bench acting like he hadn’t done anything wrong, I was stunned to see Billy Knight shake his hand and pat him on the butt like he did something good. The Hawks are a joke.

By HAWK

May 7, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

Attention Mark Bradley, Jeff Shultz, and Terrence Moore!

This is the perfect opportunity for one of your uber-negative columns!

Please jump on this topic!

Consolidate all your anger of everything sports-related in Atlanta and really tear into how horrible of a job BK has done building this team.

Finally we fans actually wont mind reading your material bashing someone involved in an ATL franchise, because we agree with you!

By chc4

May 7, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

“Knight, 55, built the Hawks from the ground up”

hahahahahhahahah!!!

By 1 more thing

May 7, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

We have no “Bombers”.

We need a blond kid - who can “shoot the lights out”! Fire up 3 pointers from all over the court. Anytime!

Trying to be a ESPN highlight everynight gets old.

By HawkFAN

May 7, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

KobeMVP, I completely agree with you! As opposed to Marvin Williams (the Tanya Harding of the NBA) we could have had Chris Paul, or DeRon Williams. Two quality point guards. So I’m glad that Knight is leaving. Hopefully, Woodson is right behind him. Avery Johnson is available and he would work wonders for our young team.

By Alan Hochbaum

May 7, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

I am OK with Billy Knight leaving, although he had a decent number of successes along with several misses in previous drafts.

The bigger issue is Mike Woodson. At the beginning of this season, he claimed that this was going to be a “running team”, but both our execution of the break and the uptempo mentality have been consistently lacking.

He comes from slow, half court roots and does not have the proper mindset to help our young, fresh players maximize their talents.

Get us a teacher who really understands how to teach an uptempo philosophy, with the half court set being option #3 behind full out fast break and open jumpers in transition.

By whatcouldhavebeen

May 7, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Should we start to worry yet about them bringing in Isiah?

from ESPN board:

Everyone talks about the Marvin Williams selection over Chris Paul…

…How about taking Shelden Williams over Brandon Roy or Rudy Gay?? …Josh Childress over Luol Deng or Andre Iguodala?

This should have been the Hawks starting lineup this year: PG - Paul SG - Roy SF - Iguodala or Rudy Gay PF - Josh Smith C - Horford

:-O

This isn’t wishful thinking, Paul, Roy, Gay, Iguodala, Horford were obvious Picks.

On Josh Smith…..i give them credit, he was a big reach at the time but we had the extra pick and nobody there was an obvious pick.

By Glenn

May 7, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

Yeah , he should have picked either Deron Williams or Chris Paul over Marvin Williams & Sheldon Williams was a reach at the 5th pick but he got alot right . He picked Josh Smith when Jay Bilas said that he would be the bust of the 2004 draft . Joe Johnson for Boris Diaw , Rajon Rondo , and a 15 pick was a steal . It is time for a new GM to come in & hire a new coach that can get us to a higher level . But Billy Knight wasn’t as bad a GM as some like to think . Al Horford & Acie Law were fine picks last year . He’s done enough to make the GM job & coaching position attractive . Hows that for an accomplishment ?

By Macaroni Tony

May 7, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

NOW is the time for the HUMAN HIGHLIGHT to take the role for GM, and for Steve Smith to try out to be the head coach.

By FREEDOG

May 7, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

3 years to late.

By Spud Webb

May 7, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Thank you god. Now Woodson can step down or just not get offered a contract and the hawks will get better. Brutal coaching job in the playoffs, yes the took the Celts to 7 but if I had to watch Woodson come out of timeouts without a play drawn, other than Johnson or Bibby dribble the shot clock down and then pray, I was going to puke. Bye Billy Knight, see if you can pick up Don Waddell on the way out of town.

By AtlSportsGuy

May 7, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

HIRE BILL SIMMONS! HIRE BILL SIMMONS! HIRE BILL SIMMONS! HIRE BILL SIMMONS!

By kj

May 7, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Billy Knight was awful as a GM and really awful as a PR guy. I say bring in Avery Johnson!

By Joshua

May 7, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Now Woodson must go. Great!!!!

By resentment

May 7, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Good!!! Now the Atlanta Spirit must go!!!!

By resentment

May 7, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Good!!! Now the Atlanta Spirit must go!!!!

By Brooklyn Finest

May 7, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

He is better than Isiah in NY. But this guy passed on two PG’s for a freshman backup. Couldn’t understand it then, can’t understand it now.

See ya

By Rocko

May 7, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Thank goodness he is leaving. I appreciate he assembled some good pieces, but could or would not shape a complete, balanced roster. His arrogance will not be missed either. The record speaks, nay screams, for itself.

Now that Knight has done the right thing, I pray Woodson will, too. His Atlanta record and reputation is the basketball equivalent of Marion Campbell, Dan Henning, Eddie Haas and Chuck Tanner. He does not deserve to stay. Resign now Woody.

By Ben Moore

May 7, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

It’s not just Chris Paul guys. He was responsible for: drafting Boris Diaw, Travis Hansen, signing Stephen Jackson, drafting Donta Smith, Royal Ivey, Salim, Cenk Akyol, signing Esteban Batista, drafting Shelden Williams.

He passed over a Rookie of the Year, an NBA Slam Dunk champ (granted we have one of those on the roster), a runner up to the MVP (and potentially the greatest PG of all-time). These are not made up things. He had to go and thank God that it happens now.

This offseason is crucial folks, no draft picks and a better than decent free agent pool. Let’s go Hawks!

By Crazy Diamond

May 7, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Billy, thanks for putting up with the whole Atlanta Spirit mess, clearing the decks of the old salaries and getting the team started on the way back. The playoff run was fun. You did right with Joe Johnson, Al Horford, Mike Bibby. We now have hope. There was no hope when you took over.

By Jim

May 7, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Compared to Babcock he was a genius, but that ain’t saying much.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

May 7, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

ONE DOWN, ONE TO GO!! See ya and wouldn’t want to be ya!

GO HAWKS!!!

By Realist

May 7, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Woodson is right. He definitely left the franchise in better shape than it was when he started. It only took six years, but he improved the team by 2 whole victories!

I think the only question at this point is, will he go into the Hall of Fame as a Hawk or a Grizzlie?

By HawkFAN

May 7, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

While I do agree that Luol Deng and Andre Iguodala would have been better picks, at least Childress has added value to the team. He is definitely a solid 6th man. He is instant energy off the bench and he does whatever is necessary to put points on the board. Now Marvin Williams on the other hand has yet to live up to the hype. He is too inconsistent.

By Joe

May 7, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

This is one of the greatest days in Atlanta sports history.

Maybe we can finally get someone in here with a modicum of common sense.

Hopefully the next guy is smart enough to fire Mike Woodson and to do a sign-and-trade for Josh Smith.

By MarkyMark

May 7, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Heck, anybody could have picked a forward every year over the past six. Billy Knight get lost chump.

By Peter

May 7, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Fantastic……. Great for the team !

By ReggieATL

May 7, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

There’s a whole lot of vitriol being posted here about a good man, who built a hell of a foundation for the Hawks. You’re a damn coward if you wouldn’t be man enough to say it to someone’s face and yet come on here and write it in ALL CAPS and bold letters.

Job well done, Billy Knight. I thought it was tacky that you didn’t shake that man’s hand in Boston, I though passing on Deron Williams and Chris Paul was boneheaded, and I though Shelden Willams was a pretty worthless pick, but you built a fine base for a franchise and I’m sorry to see you go.

By Big Muddy

May 7, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

I never thought anybody could be worse than Pete Bbcock but Billy proved me wrong. What an arrogant incompetent GM Knight has been.

By doug

May 7, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

1 down 1 to go!!!!!!!!!!

By Eric

May 7, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

Ding Dong! The Witch is dead. Which old Witch? The Wicked Witch! Ding Dong! The Wicked Witch is dead. Wake up - sleepy head, rub your eyes, get out of bed. Wake up, the Wicked Witch is dead.

By Stephen

May 7, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Imagine what this team would look like if he drafted Brandon Roy (all-star for next 10 yrs) and Chris Paul (all star for next 15 yrs).We don’t have a first round pick this year, so he is saving face. It’s called a forced resignation.

By HawkFAN

May 7, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Joe, are you saying that the Hawks should get rid of Josh Smith? I disagree! If the Hawks get rid of Josh Smith, that would be a huge mistake. They need to get rid of players who aren’t adding value to the team, Salim Stoudamire, Speedy Claxton, Marvin Williams, etc. Let’s bundle them up in a deal and see what we can get.

By Clayton Bigby

May 7, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

this text will be bolded HIP HIP…. HOORAY!!!! HIP HIP…. HOORAY!!!! HIP HIP…. HOORAY!!!! HIP HIP…. HOORAY!!!! HIP HIP…. HOORAY!!!!

By Mr Fill formerly ScoobySnacks

May 7, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

Everybody Let’s clear a few thing up here.

1)Anybody who says Steve Belkin was right is an idiot and doesn’t remember the whole story. Therefore you forefeit the right to make anymore comments.

2)Billy Knoghts major failure was not in player selection, but in coach hiring. He could have made better draft picks sure, but as far getting this organization financially stable and enough talent to compete, he can not be called incompetent. (Did anyone else see the first round of the 2008 playoffs).

Good time for the team to move on and take the next step. But let’s not make this a Memphis Grizzlies situation. You see the knee jerk idiotic moves they made after Knight left there. And you see where they are now. I’m just saying we don’t need to get crazy here and bash the team. There is some talent and all we really need is some improved leadership. The team is definately better off talent wise because of Knight. So thanks chump, now hit the road.

By Stan Kasten

May 7, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

The following than can evaluate talent better than Billy Knight:

Dominique Wilkins Hometeam Brandon Leak Don Waddell My 2-Slot Toaster

By Lazyboy

May 7, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Every time i see Chris Paul or Deron Williams play it makes me nautios knowing we could have had them instead of Marvin Williams. Those guys are stars he’s a role player. How Knight lasted this long with his incompetence baffles me.Paul would have been a huge draw for the Hawks and got fans in the seats. If the hawks need a GM you guy’s have my email. I would do much better and would take half o the salray until i prove myself.How these guys get theses jobs and keep them is ludicrous. You can’t work at Mickey D’s for 5 years and make bad burgers and keep your job.How do you draft a 6’8 guy when you have 3 or 4 of them already and you have two top notch PG’s sitting there.Please hire a real GM this time.

By Ezekiel

May 7, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

“I’m sure we’ll have some blacks complain that he was black, but he resigned under his own admission.”

Huh, what a dumb comment. Us blacks could care less what color BK is. Everyone knows what a horrible job he’s done. Why would color be an issue other than you making it one?

By noneya

May 7, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Take Woodson with you!

By Joe

May 7, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Yes, HawkFAN 11:06, that is EXACTLY what I am saying. The kid is a very good weakside defender and rebounder. He is not a max contract player, which is what he is going to be looking for in free agency.

He will be a restricted free agent this year, meaning that we can match any offer that he gets from another team, but only for a one year deal. Or we could sign him to a MAX contract, $12 million + per year.

The kid is not that good, and he is not mentally tough enough to be a team leader. WHoever signs him to a max deal will have a 7 year albatross on their team.

We need to trade him NOW while his value is at peak, and get a bunch of picks and some guys who know how to WIN and be LEADERS.

By DirkStigandNasty

May 7, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

I wonder if this is part of a settlement in the owners’ lawsuit?

By leifj

May 7, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Thank god the clown show will at least have one less on board. Now if the ownership situation ever gets resolved we may be on to something here. I am still not sold on Woodson but considering they made the playoffs he may get at least one more year. At least he is better than Terry Stotts and Stotts Stars that used to be on the banner at Philips.

By Joe

May 7, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Also, HawkFAN 11:06, I would love it too if we could package Marvin Williams, Salim and Speedy. But guess what? Isiaih retired, so there are no more mentally retarded GM’s in the league.

Nobody would take Marvin Williams for a bag of balls and a fat girl. He is worthless.

Josh Smith is the only piece who is valuable in a trade scenario. Mike Bibby may be, because he only has one year left on his deal, but honestly, he did not give us squat over the last two months of the year and he is making $14 million next year.

By me

May 7, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Thank god & good by!!!! He passed on the best guard in the NBA. Now New Orleans may be in the finals this year.

By Cuda Beanz

May 7, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Billy Knight was Black???

By Ezekiel

May 7, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

“I’m sure we’ll have some blacks complain that he was black, but he resigned under his own admission.”

Huh, what a dumb comment. Us blacks could care less what color BK is. Everyone knows what a horrible job he’s done. Why would color be an issue other than you making it one?

By Jt

May 7, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

There is 2 other things he did or did not do. He should have locked up the two Joshes last year before they were restricted free agents- major mistake. And he was unable to pull the trigger on trades that would have upgraded the roster.

By ILL-logical

May 7, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Before everyone breaks out the Edwin Hawkins Singers(Flatt and Scruggs for the Falcon bloggers),lets see what we have left and whom is going to run the show from here on out.

First,and foremost, the Spirit is still in the dark,literally and figuratively. They are after all are the people who hired the dearly departed GM.

Second, who would want to come to work in this enviornment with the fiscal and legal issues swirling about?

Third,be careful what you pray for; you just might get it!

By cstyle

May 7, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

The Hawks need to get rid of Woodson. Bring in somebody who kows how to add vets with the youth we have. Childress just doesent do it for me. Childress and Pachuilla needs to be a package for a a good vet. Hopefully a big man. But Knight should have fired Woodson before he left. He owes us that much.

By Submariner683

May 7, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Hey Glen,

The Hawks got Johnson form Diaw (1st round pick) and two future 1st rounders, which Phoenix will begin cashing in this year.

Johnson is a nice player, but not worth 3 first rounders. Plus, Phoenix was not going to sign him for that much. And if Knight thought they were, he should have bumped it up more. Now the Hawks have no new draft picks coming in or any trade leverage with them for the next two years. Thanks Billy.

Yes, hind sight is 20/20, but the Marvin Williams pick was stupid. That was the best point guard draft, maybe in NBA history. I know it has panned out that way, but even at the time, there were 4 great PGs in the first round taken. And as other people have mentioned, why do you draft a 6’8 forward, when you have 3-4 players who play that position and you have NO PG? Maybe if the guy was obviously the next Kobe or Lebron, which Marvin was nowhere near that. I watched him all that year. Was not overly impressed.

Now Deron and Chris Paul are considered two of the best players in the game, not just PGs.

Sadly, the Hawks have been so inept at the draft over the last 20 years that Billy didn’t do that bad. Josh Smith and Horford are very solid. Horford could be a perennial all star. Sadly they play about the same position. And Josh Childress has been a solid pro as well. But as most people have mentioned, Horford was the best player on the board, and at least Billy could admit his Sheldon mistake and take the stud.

Take a look at other draft blunders from the Hawks; Dallas Comegys, Roy Marble, Ed Gray, Priest Lauderdale, Adam Keefe, Roshown Mcleod, Douglas Edwards.

By Seeya

May 7, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

Good riddance to bad rubbish.

By Georgiaboy

May 7, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Billy Knight, pretend you are Opie Taylor and kick rocks

By diego

May 7, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

Thank goodness. Too bad he is sticking around until after the draft though. Hopefully the new GM can come in and make us a solid team. Trading Marvin for some picks or a true defensive, big bodied center should be priority #1.

I still can’t believe Marvin went 2nd. I’m not even factoring that he went ahead of CP3 and Deron Williams.

By Eric

May 7, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

I thought Billy Knight did a pretty good job in Atlanta. He made some mistakes, but you can’t hit a homerun everytime out. I am a little worried now, because this reminds me of when the Atlanta fans ran Lenny Wilkens out of town. That was what led us to the point we are now, over 8 years of losing. Back then they said the team was boring, so we traded all the players, fired the coach, and hired a new GM who happened to be Billy Knight. Get my point…

By Jay Stiltner

May 7, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

ReggieATL - Dude, you can’t be serious. It’s not like we - as bloggers - can call up Billy Knight and tell him what we think of his moronic decision making.

It’s not an issue of people being cowardly. Knight hides in the shadows. He rarely speaks to the paper or agrees to do interviews. He won’t let anyone into his head, so we don’t really understand why he has a pompous and egotistically attitude.

Have you ever heard Knight speak? All he does is talk about how he can’t talk about anything that relates to basketball. He honestly believes that he has inside information that he can’t tip to other GM’s in the league, yet he’s the only GM screwing up almost every draft.

It’s a joke. Look at his track record. The only thing he did right in his six years here was drafting Al Horford. He didn’t build squat. Just because the Hawks took the Celtics to the brink of elimination doesn’t really mean anything either.

Granted, it was a major accomplishment. However, looking at the bigger picture, that’s the problem with this franchise. They win a few more games than they did the year before and management thinks they’ve made HUGE progress.

I don’t believe that a sub-500 team deserves to make the playoffs. I commend the Hawks on the way they played at Phillps Arena, but they were extremely lucky that that series went to seven games.

If you think it was boneheaded to pass on Chris Paul and Deron Williams, then you can’t be sorry to see Knight go. Passing on Paul will be the biggest mistake in the history of the Hawks franchise. Good riddance!

By Don

May 7, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Now let us hope that Woody “I do not have a clue” is right behind him. There is talent here, but again because of Billy Knight’s refusal to negotate salary with the Joshes we might be losing one or both because of their restricted free agent status. If he signs them even last year he get a bargain. Typical of his short sigthed look. One more blunder. You guys need to remember that we had Rashad Wallace pass through Atlanta briefly. Now put him and Chris Paul in our line up and just dream.

By HawkFAN

May 7, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Joe, I respectfully disagree with you with regard to his talent. I do believe that he is THAT good not to mention the upside on him. He is only 22yrs old and he is still developing. Does he deserve that big of a contract? I think so.

I do agree with the fact that his mental toughness does come into question especially since he had a 48 minute brain fart in Boston on last Sunday, but there are two things that you have to consider. One, he has never been on a national stage like that before. Practically everyone else on their starting five have played in pressure situations like that. And secondly, he is only 22yrs old. He is still developing!

I think that J. Smith will benefit from a “teaching” coach. You can’t tell me that with the proper teaching/coaching, he can’t be every bit as good or better than a Rasheed Wallace (shorter version of course). But I have to say that getting rid of him would be a bad move on the Hawks part.

By Joshua

May 7, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

I’m black and i started the fire Mike Woodson campagin….

FIRE MIKE WOODSON

By Baller08

May 7, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Now if we can replace Woodson with an experienced head coach (Avery Johnson), trade for a big man, and draft a quality point guard, we may just have something to look forward to.

By OAKTOWN

May 7, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

Yes!!! But everybody has to admit that Billy was right about the Joshs — But when he was wrong he was so wrong— Marvin instead of Chris Paul Sheldon instead of anybody else

I still proud of him for how he stood up to Belkin- but Billy was too wrong too often

And he was horrible with the media— You can’t have a team who needs good press with this guy as one of your mouthpieces— Maybe now we can get a big man

By ASM

May 7, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Why the hell is he staying through the draft?!?!?!

By J Webb Horton

May 7, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

It is apparent that the people ripping Billy Knight know little about the game of basketball. They also have no idea how hard it is to put together a team. Billy has put together a class group of young men who compete hard. Billy is and has always been a class act. It is truly Atlanta’s loss.

By Rob

May 7, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

His legacy unfortunately will linger as we watch Chris Paul and Derron Williams lead their team in the playoffs.

Know let’s go hire a REAL GM and then have us bring in a good coach to take this team to the next level

By Foster4100

May 7, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

I think that yes it is time to go and The Hawks ownership should also let go of Mike Woodson and in my opinion they need to look at hiring Avery Johnson as the new head coach for the Hawks next season. I believe that Mr.Johnson has the experience to be able to coach the young Hawks and truly maximize all of the talent that these guys have on their squad right now. These young Hawks had proven to me that they have a lot of great young talent but, no one to show them the way.

By Jess

May 7, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

YES!!!!!!!!!! He has been a CANCER within the organization and would been let go several years ago if not for being black.

By Bop

May 7, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Good move! Let’s not forget the owners—their role can not be overlooked. Unstable leadership from the top affects the botom line. In this case winning games.

By T

May 7, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

My initial response is so long… After some thought, my distaste for Knight is not solely based on draft picks or passed up players, which is bad…

But, I think the reason myself and others do not like Knight is because of his attitude toward the media and fans of the Hawks. His “holier than thou” attitude and condescending talk to the fans along with his evaluation of talent got him gone!

By Foster4100

May 7, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

Okay, now Jess I was with everything that you said until you threw in the Black thing. I don’t think that the color of this man’s skin has nothing to do with anything. I can’t even grasp the thinking process of how you came up with your response to this question. Anyway, we will keep you in prayer because it sounds like you need it.

By HawkFAN

May 7, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

People lets not forget that Knight was trying to get rid of Woodson during the season, but the owner(s) would not allow it. I think that the fact that we have several owners, all with different ideas on the direction of the team, is the root of the problem.

I just hope that the owners don’t bring someone in who is worse than what was removed today. Yes, this could be worse…two words: Isaiah Thomas.

By Nique Fan

May 7, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

What’s better than a game 7 victory over the Celtics?

Billy Knigt’s resignation. By far the most arrogant GM who never accomplished anything. What Billy failed to realize is that people weren’t asking him about his future plans for the Hawks. They were questioning the intelligence of his past moves.

Now that his is no longer a part of the organization maybe he can enlightnen all of us little people on his master plan. LOL.

By Ryder

May 7, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

The reason BK’s staying until July is because his contract runs until June 30th. Since Atlanta’s not in the draft this year his timing will actually hurt the team during the free agency period.

The problem is that Atlanta knows they need a GM and coach who share the same philospophy. Moreover, due to the roster BK established it will need to be a coach who can set up a fast break tempo offense.

This can’t be good for the Hawks right now, especially with both Josh Smith and Childress being restricted free agents. I understand it’s a long summer, but in the event Woodson leaves what happens then?

I’ll be the first one to agree that BK made some poor decisions (coach, Marvin Williams) but I will also give him credit for getting this franchise out of salary cap hell and building up a team that showed it can win in the playoffs with their up tempo style of play. Unfortunately the Hawks are buoyed by a coach who is unable to implement that on the road. It would be one thing if these players were in their first or second year in the league, but when it’s year 3 or 4 and they still can’t execute plays on the road, that is a direct reflection of poor coaching.

Oh for the idiot who said Atlanta was lucky to take Boston to seven games, luck didn’t block shots or hit free throws you moron!

I understand the ASG aren’t the smartest people in the world, but at the very least one would figure out that any GM who comes in here will want his own coach. This will be a very interesting summer in Atlanta to say the least!

By akin

May 7, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Why’s he waiting till July 1st??? GET OUT NOW so we can get on with this franchise

By p123123

May 7, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

two words: chris paul

By Real Neal Hopper

May 7, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

You think we could get him to coach at Georgia Tech?

By Peep

May 7, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Three drafts too late. I guess he can’t mess this draft up. Not because he’s leaving but because the Hawks don’t have a pick. Luv ya Billy “da fro”.

By Mimi506

May 7, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

The reason we don’t have CP3 (Chris Paul)you can thank both of the JOSH’S whose comment was posted in the AJC as saying “Atlanta did not need Chris Paul” don’t blame Billy Knight for that one. Atlanta Spirit allowed amateurs cost Atlanta on the CP3. Why did they not listen to Dominique Wilkins who stated CP3 should be drafted, well it should be obvious on this one, players really do rule!

The obvious choices here would be Dominique Wilkins (GM) and Avery Johnson (Coach)!

Pull AJC article when CP3 had his workout here in Atlanta for any disbelivers…………

By Willie

May 7, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

I’m black and even I am glad Knight is gone. The dude just doesn’t have what it takes to build a team properly. Don’t let the door hit your rump on the way out of town. The part-owner from Boston was correct about Knight in hindsight. Adios!!

By scott

May 7, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

One down, one to go. Well, actually 7 if you include the circus known as the Spirit.

By Mark

May 7, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

J Webb Horton and Reggie you guys obviously know nothing about basketball if you think Billy did a great job. At least Pete Babcock wasn’t arrogant, unlike Billy Knight. I can’t even watch New Orleans Hornets highlights because I know Chris Paul and Joe Johnson would have been the baddest back backcourt in the NBA.

By MIKE VICK

May 7, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

PLEASE ASG BRING IN BILLY KING OR MR. JERRY WEST. THEN WHEN THE NEW GM COMES IN THEY’LL HIRE AVERY OR D’ANTONIO. THEN RESIGN J.SMITH OR TRADE HIM IN A PACKAGE FOR IVERSON AND CAMBY WITH MIKE BIBBY AS THE POINT GUARD DENVER NEEDS. WILL HAVE HORFORD AT THE 4 AND MARVIN AT THE 3. JOE WILL BE THE SECOND OPTION 2 IVERSON ALSO GET SOME VETS FOR THE BENCH. LIKE EDDIE JONES AND JOE SMITH WITH ACIE AND CHILDRESS U HAVE A NICE NINE MAN ROTATION WHO CAN WIN 50+ GAMES. MIKE WOODSON PLEASE GO 2 CHARLOTTE AND BE LB LEAD ASSISTANT SO WE CAN GET A REAL COACH. THANK U BILLY KNIGHT FOR LEAVING.

By BIG O

May 7, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

THAT’S RIGHT UNHAPPY ATLANTA FANS, FIRE THE GUY WHO DID GET YOU TO THE PLAYOFFS. BILLY KNIGHT DID MORE FOR ATLANTA BASKETBALL (INCLUDING GEORGIA TECH & GEORGIA BULLDOGS) AND GAVE SOMETHING TO CHEER ABOUT SINCE THE FALCONS WENT TO THE SUPERBOWL. ALL OF THESE COMMENTS ABOUT MR. KNOGHT IS VERY UNFAIR AND HE NEVER PLAYED ONE GAME WITH THE HAWKS. YOU MUST ADMIT THAT THE ATL GOT EXCITED WITH THE BOSTON PLAYOFFS AND ARE NOW LOOKING TO NEXT YEAR. THAT’S RIGHT AS SOON AS YOU GET IT RIGHT YOU LET THE WRONG PERSON GO. THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN ATL SPORTS LEGACY!!!

By Mark

May 7, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

Dominique will be the new GM no question. He knows the team and has a vested interest in the franchise. As for coaches anybody would be a step up. We need to get a coach that can teach the game the right way while at the same time emphasizing running and maximizing on our athleticism to be a good defensive team. Where are we going to get a serviceable big man? Nenad Kristic as well as andres bedriens are restricted free agents. Ultimately we are going to trade Josh smith for a big money player unless he can inprove his perimiter game.

By HawksDude

May 7, 2008 12:38 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 richbrave

May 7, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

MY THOUGHTS? A good start.

By Boheezy07

May 7, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

I’m Glad Billy gone but one thing that’s killing me as I’m reading everybody keeps talking bout the team we coulda had if he made certain picks instead of what he did. Iggy or Deng over Chills ok I see that, We probably still woulda benn up there to pick CP3 the following season, but after that we wouldnt have been in position to take Shelden(or Roy or Gay) at 5 and we certainly wouldnt have been able to select Horford at 3 last year. I hate some of the moves he made but we going a lil bit to far without thinking hell the 1st 2 years done right and none of the latter guys we would even be discussing.

By HawkFAN

May 7, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Mick Vick, while I agree with your options for GM (add D. Wilkins to your list) and coaches, though it seems that D’Antoni is going to Chicago. Trading Josh Smith is a bad move. And if your going to trade him, trade him for players that will give you at least 3 seasons. No disrespect to Iverson and Camby, but are old! The Hawks are a coach (Avery preferrably), point guard (unless Bibby can get himself together) and a center away from going deep into the playoffs.

By loumar

May 7, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Should have been gone LOOONNNGGGGGG ago!

By JD

May 7, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

The Chris Paul/Deron Williams vs. Marvin Williams debate will go on forever in this city, much like the Falcons and their Brett Favre debacle. It is what it is, and even at the time of the ‘05 draft, everyone (all of the so-called experts) declared that Marvin Williams was the better pick (over time). You can’t fault the man for going with the experts, but you can fault him for not looking at the needs of this team as it was constructed at the time and not draft Chris Paul or Deron Williams. They’ve steadily improved, but the improvement could have been a lot faster with one of these two at the helm.

Let Steve Smith be the coach of this team. He, probably more than anyone, has seen this team up close. He knows their strengths, and listening to him during broadcasts, he understands how they should be playing. He’s from a younger generation of retired basketball players that’s in touch with the game as it’s played today. I say why not give him the opportunity to coach this team.

By Hack

May 7, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

AVERY JOHNSON would make a heck of a coach. Up and down tempo for the team and they are young enough to listen to what the coach wants unlike the crew he had in Dallas who only listened to the owner.

By t

May 7, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

D’Antoni. Knight is 1/2 the problem. Anyone that saw game 7 know that Woodson has to go as well. I have no clue why Johnson is stepping up for Woodson, but why not bring in D’Antoni, a guy who has success running an up-tempo style. Hell, if he got Diaw to work, he can get the Hawks focussed fairly consistently.

By Rod Stone

May 7, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

On Hawks web site, Knights BOI reads:

This offseason, Knight has continued to reshape the look and future of the Hawks. He selected Duke’s Shelden Williams with the fifth overall pick in the 2006 Draft and added agile center Solomon Jones in the second round, and acquired free agents Craig “Speedy” Claxton and Lorenzen Wright to fill necessary positions on the Atlanta roster. Claxton gives the Hawks the quality point guard the club has lacked, and by returning Wright to the roster and complementing last year’s free agent surprise Zaza Pachulia at center, he brings the tough, inside presence Mike Woodson has desired since becoming the Hawks head coach.

By Boheezy07

May 7, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Another thing, and I’m not defending the dude, but with this ownership thing he had limitations on certain moves because of that idiot Belkin putting stipulations on the teams business. I think if he woulda been able to make more deals he would have but every year that fool Belkin messed eerything up.(Amare deal last year before the draft) I hope the next guy in does something to maximize what we got.

By Mr. Good Riddance

May 7, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

It’s About Time. C’ya. Wouldn’t want to B’ya

By Tbones

May 7, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Marvin Williams over Chris Paul or Deron Williams

Josh Childress over Andre Iguodola

Shelden Williams over Brandon Roy

Decline Amare Stoudamire trade

We cheer for Atlanta’s success this year in the playoffs, but we should have been challenging for Eastern Conference supremecy, if he would have gotten it half right. Too many blunders in drafting, and not making a very obvious trade.

By Derrick

May 7, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Kudos to Rod Stone for the post. That was P R I C E L E S S ! !

That pretty much sum of the fiasco that was Billy Knight ! ! !

Good freakin’ riddance ! ! He was a total waste of time, space, and bio-molecular structure.

By Truth hurts

May 7, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

He sucked as GM. Period.

By Storm8

May 7, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Micheal Corleone: “Carlo you have to pay for Santino”.

Hawks Ownership: “Billy, you have to pay for Chris Paul”

By JD

May 7, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Also, the ownership feud has put a major clamp on what the franchise can do financially. Notice how they’ve not gone after ANY big name free agents to help this team win. Only at the apex of trying to save his job was Knight able to pull off the Bibby trade. He’s had to deal with that nonsense and try to keep the franchise competitive. I’m not defending him by no means, but he’s been tied up in the midst of this battle.

By Chilidog

May 7, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

PLEASE take Woodson with you.

By RealSquawk

May 7, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

I really don’t think all of those draft decisions were Knight’s. I think the management and coaching style had a lot more effect than people might believe, so yeah we can say bye Knight Adios Amigo, but this might be indication that Woodson is staying!!

And who are going to get to replace him!

By GM R

May 7, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

About time too. As far as I am concerned he took money from the Hawks under false pretences - I could have achieved better results working 2 hours a week so can only assume he was doing 1 hour a week. The man is a con artist who hides his lack of expertise behind a mask of arrogance. As for the owners they still don’t have the b*s to make the right decisions for themselves. They should have fired Knight long ago instead of handing him a gun to shoot himself with. How they ever succeed in business is a mystery to us all.

By RealSquawk

May 7, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Hey Knight you will be missed

in his defense you didn’t see it in game seven Marvin Williams with abummed knee looked like the only one in the game

yeah Chris Paul would have been great, but Chris Paul is flourishing with a great coach, under Mike Woodson lets be honest people Chris Paul would probably be in the dog house i don’t think people realize how important a good coach willing to letting rookies play through stuff is Chris Paul would not be playing under Woodson he would probably sitting next to Salim Stoudamire

By Fred G. Sanford

May 7, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

Billy you’re just like my son Lamonte…..You Big Dummy!

By Johan

May 7, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

I personally think you won’t see any difference in the team at all. The Hawks front office is a huge, overbloated nighmare w/ way overpaid do nothings. If they got rid of most of that financial waste, they’d have a ton more money to pick up alot more higher caliber players to add to Bibby, and Johnson.

By Chicken Hawk

May 7, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Bye, Billy!! They kept the RIGHT guy in Woodson. But you, well, you’re out!!!

By BIG O

May 7, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Billy Knight good luck to you in your new job where ever you go in the NBA, WNBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, PGA, LPGA or Corporate America. Most of these losers who complained about you wish that they could run the counter at Mickey D’s (no disrespect to McD’S)let alone be a GM for major sports franchise. Mr. Knight, when some people tell you that you that you did not make all the right moves show them your resume and ask them for theirs and compare (what a joke Ha ha ha)!!! Thank you for the great years of service, the Boston playoff run and a great start to (08-09 next year. Good luck to you and your family and see you at the top again.

By Die Hard

May 7, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

It’s about time that “Loser” clueless no I.Q. hit the road. Now they got to kick Woodson and the Spirits out of town as well.

People in Boston knows Basketball and the Managements of the Hawks should learn something.

By Die Hard

May 7, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

It’s about time that “Loser” clueless no I.Q. hit the road. Now they got to kick Woodson and the Spirits out of town as well.

People in Boston knows Basketball and the Managements of the Hawks should learn something.

By Die Hard

May 7, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

It’s about time that “Loser” clueless no I.Q. hit the road. Now they got to kick Woodson and the Spirits out of town as well.

People in Boston knows Basketball and the Managements of the Hawks should learn something.

By Ben

May 7, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

To Reggie, most folks would love the opportunity to say something to Knight’s face but HE NEVER SPOKE TO THE FANS! This was a huge issue. This is the guy bringing in the players and the biggest liason between the franchise and the public and he simply wouldn’t do interviews. He’s the only GM that hid behind closed doors. He knew that he made colosal mistakes and he was never held accountable. Good riddance. Also, kudos to the poster who posted our record the year before he took over and this year. Hilarious.

By Chess

May 7, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Big O you can’t be serious.

By Tizzy

May 7, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

What took so long? When is Woodson leaving. Hope he doesn’t think his job is saved because they won 3 games over Boston. We should not be sub.500 next year. And when is someone going to interview Avery Johnson? He understands young elusive players. He didn’t have that on the entire team in Dallas, but he would definitely have it here. We should find Avery on MySpace. LOL

By HJ

May 7, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Hopefully the Hawks can sign some of this young talent whose contract expire within the next year or tow, otherwise we are back in the same position.

Hey Jay Bilas - Look at Josh Smith now.

By ebarfie

May 7, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Knight had everything you did NOT want in a GM: no ability to deal with media, and no aptitude for picking talent. Woodson should be sent packing, too.

By hugo

May 7, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

First you make one of the DUMBEST trades ever, Shariff for Gasol, then you let, not one, but two all star pt guards go by the boards. Deron and Chris. You should have your good byes a while ago. Go overseas and work from there in the future. Woodson deserves a fair shake. This was not his doing. Two more pieces and we are getting ready to dance.

By hugo

May 7, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

First you make one of the DUMBEST trades ever, Shariff for Gasol, then you let, not one, but two all star pt guards go by the boards. Deron and Chris. You should have said your good byes a while ago. Go overseas and work from there in the future. Woodson deserves a fair shake. This was not his doing. Two more pieces and we are getting ready to dance.

By Billy Knight's Barber

May 7, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Billy!! BILLY!! You havent been by in a while.

This guy was an AWFUL GM. GET AVERY JOHNSON in here now and the fans will come!!

By Rip Torn

May 7, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

You donks don’t get it. Knight threw Woody under the bus. The Spirit had to decide BETWEEN Knight and Woody. Either Knight OR Woody…Get it.Yep. Woody will be here. He is cheap and loyal. Too bad. But Woody is NOT the major problem. The major problem is not going away any time soon. It is the Spirit. As long as they own the franchise, we are doomed. Game over.

By Hawkeye

May 7, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Perhaps Billy Knight can make up for past blunders by becoming the GM in New Orleans and trade us Chris Paul for Marvin Williams.

By PastorDC

May 7, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

It was inevitable that he was either going to be fired or retire. Now we need Mike W to say that he is retiring, so that we could get Mike DiAntoni as Atlanta Hawks coach. Can you imagine, a young team running up and down the court like the Phoenix Suns. THAT WOULD BE EXCITING!!!

By BIG O

May 7, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Blame the GM and the coach and not the MILLION DOLLAR BALL PLAYERS that YOU THE FANS GLAMOURIZE. Then you get a firing of the wrong person and everybody is happy until the next firing. Typical ATL Professional Sports and you get the same results and it starts all over again. But Billy Knight did put the team on the right track with the payoff run and young players beleiving in next year. You the fans can thank Billy Knight for any success that the team will have in 2008-2009.

By Jay Stiltner

May 7, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Ryder - Learn how to read. I said that I commended the Hawks for how well they played at Phillips Arena during the playoffs. That means that I recognize and acknowledge all the great things they did to protect their home court. That’s what the word commend means.

I never said that Josh Smith didn’t block shots or hit free throws in those 3 games. I never said that the Hawks sucked, but just happened to get lucky. However, they stunk it up in Boston and you know it.

If the Celtics wouldn’t of taken the Hawks for granted, that series would’ve never went the distance. If you want to take cheap shots, atleast have the balls to address me by name.

By hawksfan

May 7, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

The talented players playing for the Hawks right now do not deserve to have their future jeopardized by this undeserving man. See ya Billy!

By Hawks Nut

May 7, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

I still don’t undeerstand whey Marvin Williams started over Josh Childress.

By Tee

May 7, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

Bring in Greg Anthony for GM and Kenny Smith as coach!!

By Hawks4Life

May 7, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

I actually have more respect for him for stepping down on his own. He knew he wasn’t wanted, at least by the fan-base. Like my mom used to tell me, “don’t go/stay where people don’t want you”.

How soon before Woodson announces his resignation.

By Montrell

May 7, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

I knew these white owners are going to blame all the problems on the brothers, Knight and Woodson. These racist owners need to step down, and bring in some black ownership. Atlanta is an African American town, and those rich white people don’t know how to run a team in this town. Look at Arthur Blank—-he turned a good team into nothing, when he ran Mike Vick out of town. If they fire Woodson too, I may not go to any games next year.

By Chess

May 7, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Big O change the bong water.

By Spud Webb

May 7, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

By J Webb Horton

May 7, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

It is apparent that the people ripping Billy Knight know little about the game of basketball. They also have no idea how hard it is to put together a team. Billy has put together a class group of young men who compete hard. Billy is and has always been a class act. It is truly Atlanta’s loss.

ahahahhahahahahhaa, thats the funniest post of the DECADE, ahahhahahahhahahhahahhaha. ITS NOT THAT HARD WHEN YOU PICK IN THE TOP 10 FOR THE PAST 5 YEARS. ahahhahahhahahaha, classic. Let me guess J Webb Horton is a Clippers fan too! ahahahhahahahhaha

By Bob

May 7, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

I do not think that this is a negative for the Hawks.

By Bob L

May 7, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Billy already screwed up this year’s draft. He got rid of the pick didn’t he?

By BaseballisBoring

May 7, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Good riddance Billy and take Woody with you!

By tyger

May 7, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Another blunder by the Hawks

After being re-built into a playoff caliber team, they decide to throw the captain overboard.

Fire the owners!! They are the ones holding us back.

And for God’s sake, Mike Gearon Jr.; please sit down; you do not know what you are doing.

By Hawker

May 7, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

You know your doing a LOUSY job when Terrance “i love every black coach” Moore congratulates Hawks organization for FIRING Bill Knight. Wave goodbye Knight.

By Georgia_Independent

May 7, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

I am shocked that anyone in this town supports Billy Knight. You can take a four year period and his inability to evaluate talent is glaring.

The hapless Billy Knight took over in 2003. I will give him one year to get his legs under him to get a feel for the organization. However, how can any person objectively explaing the following:

2004: With the 7th pick, the Atlanta Hawks select from Stanford University Josh Childress. I think Childress is great in the community and is a strong contributor. However, I am CERTAIN that Childress is not either of the follow…with the 8th pick, the Chicago Bulls select from Duke University Luol Deng OR with the 10th pick, the Philadelphia 76ers select from the University of Arizona Andre Iguodala. I will not even go in to detail of the following players that were on the board in 2004 when the great Billy Knight drafted the role playing Childress. The list includes the following: (#15) Al Jefferson…AL JEFFERSON, who was the centerpiece of the Celtics Kevin Garnett trade; (#17) Josh Smith, who is rewriting the record books before our very eyes; (#18) JR Smith; (#20) Jameer Nelson, a real point guard who led an undefeated St. Joseph’s team to the Elite 8; (#26) Kevin Martin from nearby Western Carolina. All of those players are MUCH better than Josh Childress.

OK, OK. We can give Knight a pass. He made a couple of mistakes in 2004. He follows that draft with the crafty evaluation of Marvin Williams. He passed on a can’t miss in 6’3” and over 200 lbs. PG Deron Willams at #3 and NBA MVP runner-up Chris Paul, who played at nearby Wake Forest and openly lobbied to be drafted in Atlanta. He actually wanted to play here. Let’s remember that Ty Lue, a career backup, was our starting PG. Knight drafts a wing, when we already had a roster full of them.

Everyone talks about Paul and Williams. Knight left out Jarrett Jack of Georgia Tech, who plays very well out in Portland. We passed on Golden State’s fine guard Monta Ellis twice taking Marvin and Salim Stoudamire. I will also add that we are excluding the 800 pound 2005 draft gorilla. Atlanta still doesn’t have a true impact center. With the 10th pick in the 2005 draft, the Los Angeles Lakers select Andrew Bynum. Are you kidding me? As Marvin Williams continues to develop, Bynum is in blossom.

His shop of horrors got real ugly in 2006 when he disgraced himself and our hometown franchise by drafting Sheldon Williams from Duke, a guy rated as low as 15 on some team’s draft boards. We took Williams 5th. For the 6th pick in the 2006 NBA draft the Portland Trailblazers select from the University of Washington Brandon Roy. Roy went on to be the 2006-2007 NBA Rookie of the Year.

He has left Mike Woodson out to dry with an inferior roster for most of Woodson’s tenure. Good luck Billy! Hit the road and don’t ever come back! Now that we have Billy Knight out of town, can anyone do something with our meddling and totally useless football owner, Arthur Blank. Someone needs to fire him.

By Georgia_Independent

May 7, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Hawker, you must be confused about the Hawks organization. Billy Knight is not a coach, he is a General Manager. Therefore, if Terrence Moore loves every black coach, it would have no effect on whether he was a fan of Billy Knight. It is silly to bring race into this. Billy Knight simply did a poor job. The guy before him, who was whte, was not very good either and actually traded Dominique Wilkins (and a draft pick) for Danny Manning.

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