Billy Goat

Atlanta Hawks General Manager Billy Knight announced today that he will resign from his position in June 2008. I called for Knight’s (and Coach Mike Woodson) resignation / termination months ago when the Baby Birds went through a horrible post All Star stretch. Knight’s tenure with the Hawks lasted way too long and his legacy is questionable at best. Knight gets credit for recommending that the Hawks go after two times all star and team captain Joe Johnson; he did select freakishly talented Josh Smith with the 17th pick in the 2004 NBA draft, and did finally get the Hawks a point guard in February 2008 when he traded for Mike Bibby.

Unfortunately, Knight will always be remember for not drafting point guards Deron Williams (Utah Jazz) and/or Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets) in 2005 when the team needed point guards, especially if they both continue to play at an all star level. Instead, he drafted Marvin Williams with the 2nd pick in the draft and he hasn’t yet developed into a consistent player. Knight also will be remembered for not drafting Bandon Roy (Portland Trailblazers) in 2006. Instead, he selected undersized power forward Shelton Williams who turned into a complete bust. Lastly, Knight will remember for signing often injured backup point guard Speedy Claxton to a $25 million deal in the summer of 2006. Claxton backed up Chris Paul and he’s only played in 42 games since signing with team.

Knight will not be missed and I’m happy that the team can finally go in a new direction and hopefully get a general manager that knows how to hire a coach that can teach and motivate players, and players that who will consistently play hard every night and want to improve.