The Atlanta Hawks announced this week that Onsi Saleh will assume the role of president of basketball operations, a move that caps a rapid ascent that began just a year ago.
Saleh first joined the franchise in May 2024 as an assistant general manager and was promoted to general manager in April 2025, a timeline that reflects the confidence the organization placed in his analytical approach and player development philosophy.
Leadership and Vision
In a statement, Saleh expressed deep gratitude to principal owner Tony Ressler and the entire ownership group for their trust and partnership, noting that the platform they have built enables the team to pursue sustained competitiveness.
Ressler, who has overseen the club since its relocation to Atlanta, praised Saleh’s leadership, highlighting his ability to blend data‑driven decision making with a clear vision for the roster’s long‑term trajectory.
The Hawks capped the season by winning the Southeast Division and securing the No. 6 seed in the playoffs, only to see their run end in the opening round against the New York Knicks.
Draft Capital and Future Moves
Alongside the leadership change, the franchise announced that it will enter the upcoming NBA draft with a robust portfolio of picks, including first‑round selections at Nos. 8, 23 and 57, and a top‑10 pick acquired in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans.
The trade, which sent forward Derik Queen and the No. 13 pick to New Orleans in exchange for the coveted top‑10 slot, underscores the front office’s aggressive stance toward augmenting talent through the draft.
With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging prospects, the organization aims to translate its recent playoff experience into a sustainable contender status, a goal that Saleh says will be guided by the same analytical rigor that defined his rise.