Hawks Block Sixers From Interviewing Rising Executive Onsi Saleh
hawks-block-sixers-from-interviewing-onsi-saleh
The Atlanta Hawks have refused to let the Philadelphia 76ers speak with assistant general manager Onsi Saleh about Philadelphia’s head of basketball operations vacancy, according to a report by The Athletic’s Tony Jones.
Philadelphia began its search after dismissing president of basketball operations Daryl Morey. Former Golden State Warriors executive Bob Myers is helping guide the process. Myers previously worked alongside Saleh with the Warriors, making the Hawks’ decision especially notable.
Saleh’s reputation has grown rapidly around the league. Since joining Atlanta, he has overseen a major roster overhaul that sent Trae Young to the Washington Wizards and Kristaps Porziņģis to Golden State, bringing back veterans Corey Kispert, CJ McCollum, Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield.
The retooled Hawks finished the regular season 46-36 and returned to the playoffs in their first full campaign without Young. The club has shifted toward a youthful core featuring Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Daniels earned Most Improved Player honors last season, Alexander-Walker claimed the award this year, and Johnson made his first All-Star appearance.
“We are not one player away,” Saleh said after the season. “The best iteration of this team is going to be through development.”
Atlanta owns the No. 8 pick in the upcoming draft and continues to surface in league chatter involving bigger names such as Jaylen Brown and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Denying the Sixers’ request signals the Hawks’ intention to keep Saleh at the center of their long-term plans.
Source: Hoops Wire
