76ers denied access to rising Hawks executive Onsi Saleh after standout offseason and regular season moves

76ers denied access to rising Hawks executive Onsi Saleh after standout offseason and regular season moves originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Philadelphia 76ers’ search for a new front-office leader has reportedly hit an early obstacle. Since moving on from longtime executive Daryl Morey, Philadelphia has been connected to several respected names around the NBA, with Atlanta Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh quickly emerging as one of the organization’s primary targets.

 Former Golden State Warriors executive Bob Myers is helping lead the 76ers’ front-office search. Myers and Saleh have a strong history together dating back to Golden State, where Myers originally hired Saleh into the Warriors organization. Because of that connection — along with Saleh’s growing reputation throughout the league — many around the NBA believed Philadelphia would aggressively pursue him for a major role.

However, the Hawks made it clear they had no interest in letting him leave. Since Saleh remains under contract with Atlanta, the 76ers needed permission to interview him, and the Hawks denied the request.

Atlanta’s confidence in Saleh stems from the impressive work he has done since arriving in the organization. Around the league, Saleh has developed a reputation as one of basketball’s brightest rising executives, which became even more evident after he finished second behind Boston Celtics president Brad Stevens in NBA Executive of the Year voting.

Hawks blocking 76ers’ pursuit of Onsi Saleh

Since taking over a larger leadership role in Atlanta’s front office, Saleh has been involved in several major roster moves. ESPN praised the Hawks for acquiring Kristaps Porzingis in a blockbuster offseason trade designed to strengthen Atlanta’s frontcourt while also improving the team’s defensive versatility.

Saleh also helped guide the Hawks through the addition of guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker via sign-and-trade and the signing of elite shooter Luke Kennard in free agency.   Atlanta additionally secured a valuable future first-round pick from New Orleans during draft-night maneuvering, another move that drew praise from league analysts.

With Saleh viewed internally as a key architect of Atlanta’s future, the Hawks appear determined to keep one of the NBA’s fastest-rising executives in place.