ATLANTA --- Billy Knight will resign as general manager of the Atlanta Hawks in July, despite leading the team to its first playoff appearance in nine years.

Knight said Wednesday it was time to "take a break" after a season when his authority appeared to be weakened by unsuccessful lobbying with owners to fire coach Mike Woodson .

The Hawks, absent the playoffs since 1999, lost in the first round to the heavily favored Boston Celtics in seven games. Over six years, Knight rebuilt the Hawks, who ended the NBA's longest playoff drought.

- Atlanta forward Marvin Williams was suspended one game without pay for committing a flagrant foul, penalty two, on Celtics guard Rajon Rondo in the Hawks' Game 7 loss in Boston.

ROCKETS: Guard Tracy McGrady could need three months to recover following operations on his knee and shoulder.

"I don't expect these issues to impact his ability to prepare for the upcoming season," said team physician Tom Clanton , who operated on McGrady's knee.

COURTS: In Minneapolis, Nets forward Richard Jefferson was charged with assault Wednesday for grabbing another man by the throat in a Minneapolis club earlier this year.

He is accused of grabbing the man, shoving him to a bench and choking him with both hands.

- In Denver, Carmelo Anthony was ticketed Saturday for driving 60 mph in a 45-mph zone, three weeks after he was cited for driving under the influence.

PACERS: Promoted David Morway to general manager.

Morway, who had been senior vice president of basketball operations, will oversee salary cap issues and help president of basketball operations Larry Bird with all personnel decisions.