RealGM

Posted: **Thu May 8, 2008 8:31 pm**

Chris Grant

Billy Knight's former assistant who began his career under Pete Babcock, Grant bolted for the same position in Cleveland two years ago and has since helped the Cavaliers reach the NBA Finals. Played a huge role in the Hawks' tear down and rebuild but wasn't around for the playoff triumph this season.

Billy King

King, the former general manager and architect of the Philadelphia team that made the playoff this season, spent 10 years in Philadelphia, including their 2001 run to the NBA Finals, before being fired earlier this season. Currently doing analyst work for NBA TV, he could start immediately.

Milt Newton

Newton has spent the past five years in Washington, he's currently the Wizards' vice-president of player personnel. He oversees the franchise's global scouting operation. A former player and scout, Newton is considered one of the league's finest talent evaluators.

Scott Perry

Perry is a rising star in basketball circles who played a key role in the Pistons' eight-year run as the Eastern Conference's top dog. An assistant general manager in Seattle during the regular season, he recently returned to Detroit in the same capacity after John Hammond left for Milwaukee.

Tommy Sheppard

The Wizards' vice president of basketball administration, Sheppard has spent nearly two decades working in the league in various capacities. Has spent the five seasons with the Wizards working under Ernie Grunfeld.

Steve Smith

The former Hawks great is widely regarded as one of the brightest players of his generation. Respected both on and off the floor, Smith has spent his time in the business sector as well as broadcasting (Hawks TV analyst) since his playing days ended. Knows this team inside and out.

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Posted: **Thu May 8, 2008 8:40 pm**

I can't believe they named Chris Grant.

Cleveland is not a place to celebrate a great job done.

Posted: **Thu May 8, 2008 8:41 pm**

Players almost always make terrible GM's. I'd rather have a guy with a scouting background.

Posted: **Thu May 8, 2008 8:44 pm**

killbuckner wrote:Players almost always make terrible GM's. I'd rather have a guy with a scouting background.

I agree. I even heard on 680 the fan today that Jon Barry has some interest.

Posted: **Thu May 8, 2008 11:44 pm**

killbuckner wrote:Players almost always make terrible GM's. I'd rather have a guy with a scouting background.

I think Isiah and Bird's failures have just soured that notion for a lot of people... I'd love to have Steve Smith as gm if he could turn out anything like Joe Dumars in the front office

Posted: **Thu May 8, 2008 11:47 pm**

I wonder how Steve Smith feels about Coach Woodson. I do know he pointed out his mistakes numerous times this year.

Posted: **Fri May 9, 2008 3:34 am**

I have watched Wilkins question his decisions openly all year too, which goes to show you how much pull he has in the organization.

Posted: **Fri May 9, 2008 3:49 am**

HMFFL wrote:I wonder how Steve Smith feels about Coach Woodson. I do know he pointed out his mistakes numerous times this year.

I notice that to. I also think he's pretty unbiased and has gotten much better in his 3 years.

I agree with what killbucker said...I don't understand why former players keep getting GM jobs. Playing basketball gives you almost no advantage when it comes evaluating talent but over half the GM's in the league are former players. I would have loved to hire a guy like Sam Presti last year.

Posted: **Fri May 9, 2008 5:50 am**

I didn't expect to receive much consideration, but having Chris Grant listed as a candidate? Damn. Bad Experience is not a good thing.

Posted: **Fri May 9, 2008 11:50 am**

Bernie Bickerstaff has to be a candidate now as well.

Wasn't a very good coach, but has a wealth of NBA experience and built a pretty competitive team in Charlotte.

Posted: **Fri May 9, 2008 4:48 pm**

In a trade discussion I want the smartest guy in the room negotiating my side, I don't care how well they could shoot a basketball 5 years ago. I guess I understand ex players moving into coaching but I really don't at all see why players are even considered to be the GM.

Posted: **Fri May 9, 2008 4:55 pm**

Looks like the fans want Steve Smith to be the GM

http://www.ajc.com/hawks/content/sports ... index.html

I could see it now. Someone call and proposed a trade of Calderon and Rasho for Marvin and Zaza.

Steve Smith: "Whoooooooooooooooo!!"

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Six potential replacements for Knight

Six potential replacements for Knight