Hawks promote Onsi Saleh to president of basketball ops

Following their first playoff appearance since 2023, the Atlanta Hawks promoted general manager Onsi Saleh to president of basketball operations on Wednesday.

Saleh, 40, who joined the Hawks in May 2024 as assistant GM and was promoted to GM in April 2025, signed a long-term contract extension.

"I have such tremendous gratitude for the trust and partnership that the Resslers have shown me since my first day in Atlanta," Saleh said of the team owners. "They have provided all the resources necessary for our front office to continue methodically building our program into one of the NBA's elite. It's an honor to lead this team, and I take seriously my responsibility to deliver for Hawks fans -- I could not be more excited for what is ahead for our franchise."

Saleh was named runner-up for NBA Basketball Executive of the Year last month after the Hawks (46-36) won the Southeast Division and earned a No. 6 seed in the playoffs. In the opening round, the Hawks were eliminated in six games by the New York Knicks.

"Onsi possesses a rare combination of valuable leadership qualities and a clear vision that will position our franchise to compete at a championship level. He is a gifted communicator and talent evaluator, widely respected by his peers within the NBA community," Hawks principal owner Tony Ressler said.

In next month's NBA draft, the Hawks hold a pair of first-round picks (Nos. 8, 23) along with the No. 57 pick.

Atlanta is the lone 2026 playoff team with a top-10 pick in this year's draft, acquiring the selection in a 2025 draft-night trade with the New Orleans Pelicans. The Hawks sent Derik Queen, the No. 13 selection, to the Pelicans in exchange for the most favorable first-round pick between the Pelicans and the Milwaukee Bucks. Due to the Pelicans' struggles this season, the pick landed in the lottery range.

--Field Level Media