Varsky: “It’s Manu’s time!”

Billy Knight renunció a su posición de Manager General en los Atlanta Hawks tras reunirse con el dueño del equipo y parte de la comisión de la NBA, Michael Gearon Jr.

Anunció su descisión tras haber llevado al equipo a los Playoffs luego de nueve años. No sólo consiguió esto, sino que, además, la franquicia obtuvo su mejor marca de temporada regular, con 37-45.

The time has come for me to take a break and fully evaluate my future plans, I am tremendously pleased with what we were able to accomplish this season in reaching the postseason, as the Hawks’ return to the playoffs energized the city and our franchise.

Entre los movientos más destacados, se encuentra la contratación del (en ese momento) ex Phoenix Suns, Joe Johnson, por Boris Diaw y dos futuras selecciones condicionadas de primera ronda en la temporada 2005-2006. En la 04/05 traspasó a Antoine Walter a Boston Celtics por Gary Payton.

My passion for the franchise has never wavered -confesó Knight-, but I feel I’m leaving the organization in much better shape than it was in when I took over. I also appreciate the jobs done by Mike (Woodson), his staff and the players during this season. They are most deserving of the praise and accolades they earned during a tough, seven-game series against the Eastern Conference’s top team entering the playoffs, and I wish them and the Spirit organization the very best in the future.

Gearson Jr. entendió la decisión y agradeció por los servicios prestados:

Billy has built a team of athletic, high character players who have enormous potential. Under his leadership, the Hawks were not only the youngest team in this year’s playoffs, but have also proven to be the most exciting team Atlanta has seen since the Dominique (Wilkins) era of the 80’s. We look forward to building on Billy’s success as we continue our efforts to emerge as one of the NBA’s elite franchises for a long time to come.

Por ahora, no sonaron posibles candidatos desde el seno del equipo.