Billy Knight

On Boris Diaw-Riffiod:
"We're really pleased. I think he's a good all-around player. We think he has size and versatility. We think he has the ability to handle the ball, make some plays with the ball. I think it will just add a different dimension to the team. He's a player that will take the ball out of the point guard's hands sometimes, and allow the point guard to do some other things. He's experienced. We look forward to getting him over here and working with him."

"I think the (Scottie Pippen) comparison is a fair one. He has an all-around game. He doesn't score the ball as much as we're going to need him to. We're going to want him to put the pressure on the defense by being more offensive minded. He's unselfish, and you can be unselfish to a fault. He enjoys making plays and making other people better. He enjoys defending, and just playing. And I think he'll improve."

"We want him to free up J.T. (Jason Terry). J.T. is one of the best shooters in the NBA. So we want him to shoot the ball. When you have other players that are versatile, you don't have to rely on just him to handle the ball all the time. You can use the things he can do and take advantage of those. We hope that Boris will be able to help us in that aspect."

"I've been to Europe a couple of times (to see him) and I'm going back again tomorrow to see him again. He plays on Saturday in the French championship. I like his abilities with the ball. I like his attitude and his aptitiude to learn and improve also."

On Travis Hansen:
"We think Travis Hansen is a good player. He's mature, he's 24 or 25 years old. He spent two years in Chile, on his own, for his mission. He can shoot the ball, he's a good athlete, versatile. I think he's a combo guard, and will evolve into a good combo guard in the league. He's not too dissimilar to Jon Barry, that kind of a player. I think he provides some energy, some toughness, certainly he'll get after people. We think he'll be able to help us in a lot of ways. We think he has a chance to help us next year."

Release: Hawks Select Diaw-Riffiod and Hansen in 2003 NBA Draft

Diaw-Riffiod Speaks Following Selection