ATLANTA (AP) -- Atlanta Hawks general manager Billy Knight is stepping down.

The announcement comes after the Hawks ended a nine-year playoff drought and forced the Boston Celtics to a Game 7 in a first round playoff series that ended Sunday.

He said Wednesday he is resigning from the organization effective July 1.

The 55-year-old Knight spent six years with the organization. His best season came this year, as the Hawks had a 37-45 regular season record and broke a nine-year playoff drought.

Knight says in a statement he's "leaving the organization in much better shape than it was in when I took over."

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