Ahead of one of the most critical periods in franchise history, the Atlanta Hawks are hiring a new front office executive. According to ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski, Onsi Saleh will be joining the Hawks as an assistant general manager.
ESPN Sources: Atlanta is hiring Golden State’s Onsi Saleh as an assistant general manager. Saleh — who had been VP of Basketball Strategy and Team Counsel with the Warriors — has worked closely with Bob Myers and Mike Dunleavy Jr., and previously with Spurs CEO RC Buford.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 19, 2024
Saleh was previously the Golden State Warriors vice president of basketball strategy and team counsel. Working closely with former Warriors general manager Bob Myers, his replacement Mike Dunleavy Jr., and San Antonio Spurs CEO RC Buford, Saleh has ample experience alongside executives known for building dynasty teams. Specifically, Saleh was one of Golden State’s strategic advisors as they built a championship contender.
This includes assessing potential trades, free agent signings, draft prospects and “collective bargaining agreement analysis.”
Hawks Pry Onsi Saleh Away From Warriors
Golden State’s “legal lead for team matters,” Saleh “oversees league compliance, salary cap, collective bargaining agreement analysis, immigration, and more,” per NBA.com.
With the Hawks, Saleh will be a key front office executive not just because of his experience. Prior to his hiring, Hawks general manager Landry Fields and assistant general manager Kyle Korver were there most notable front office members. Former NBA players, they provide Atlanta with a first-hand perspective that someone that Saleh cannot.
However, Saleh is a lifelong academic. An Edmonton native, Saleh graduated from the University of Alberta with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and a post-grad degree in history. He earned his juris doctorate from Tulane University Law School in 2017.
Saleh then served as a legal clerk for the 22nd Judicial District Court of Louisiana and an intake specialist with the Louisiana Civil Justice Center.
A Fast Riser
Saleh just completed his third season with the Warriors. He originally began his career in Golden State in the Basketball Strategy department as Assistant Team Counsel (2021-22). The next season, Saleh was promoted to Director of Basketball Strategy and Team Counsel. With the Spurs, Saleh was named the Strategic Process Development Manager.
His rapid rise speaks to his work ethic and ability. That isn’t to say that Saleh will be taking Fields’ job anytime soon. Nonetheless, as the Hawks look ahead to their future, his resume inspires confidence about Atlanta’s ability to take the next step as a franchise.
