Atlanta's Shortlist

ESPN’s Marc Stein reports that the Atlanta Hawks organization have established an initial short list of four general manager candidates to replace outgoing general manager Billy Knight. Stein reports that the Birds are planning on interviewing Portland Trail Blazers personnel scout John Gabriel, San Antonio Spurs assistant general manager Dennis Lindsey, Washington Wizards vice president of basketball administration Tommy Sheppard and Boston Celtics assistant manager Dave Wohl.

I have no inclination on which individual the Hawks will pick because I’ve never heard of any of these four candidates. I only hope the Birds will pick a guy with a keen eye for talent and general manager who knows how to build a NBA through the draft and free agency because the previous general manager lacked both of those skills.

Stein also reports that Atlanta Hawks’ ownership group actually offered former general manager Billy Knight a one-year contact extension, but he chose to walk away. It’s hard to believe the Atlanta Spirit group would offer Knight an extension when he passed on so many talented NBA players; he ultimately created a mediocre team at best that underachieved throughout the regular NBA season. It was a tragedy that he was able to keep his job as long as he did and now to find out that he was offered an extension is truly a disappointment. The Atlanta Spirit needs to get its act together and build the team up from the top – strong owners, strong general manger, strong coach, and dedicated players.