Hawks hire ex-NBA writer, podcaster in front-office role

Field Level Media|published: Wed 8th July, 11:33 2026

Nov 7, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A general view of State Farm Arena before a game between the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Former NBA journalist Tim Bontemps is joining the front office of the Atlanta Hawks.

The 41-year-old was named strategic adviser to Hawks president of basketball operations Onsi Saleh. Saleh was promoted in May from his position of general manager.

Bontemps, co-host of "The Hoop Collective" podcast, has worked for ESPN, The Washington Post and New York Post covering the NBA since 2012.

He's the second hoops journalist to cross over to an NBA front office.

Another former ESPN writer, 36-year-old Mike Schmitz, was named general manager of the Dallas Mavericks under new team president Masai Ujiri. Schmitz, who played basketball at Arizona, describes himself as a self-taught scout who previously worked for Draft Express, Yahoo and as assistant general manager of the Portland Trail Blazers.

--Field Level Media

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