Knight's resignation takes effect July 1 and ends his six-year tenure in the team's front office, including five seasons as general manager.

"The time has come for me to take a break and fully evaluate my future plans," Knight said. "I am tremendously pleased with what we were able to accomplish this season in reaching the post-season. … My passion for the franchise has never wavered but I feel I'm leaving the organization in much better shape than it was in when I took over."

The Hawks were eliminated Sunday from the NBA playoffs but had forced Eastern Conference top-seed Boston to a Game Seven before ending the year.

That success was all the most surprisingly because Atlanta was 37-45 this year, the ninth consecutive regular season under .500.

Knight was hired by the Hawks as director of basketball operations prior to the 2002-03 season and was promoted to general manager in April 2003.