Bob Myers is seeking a reunion with NBA Executive of the Year runner-up Onsi Saleh, but Atlanta halted the pursuit to protect their rising front-office star’s strategic vision.
The Philadelphia 76ers’ search for a new lead basketball executive has already revealed one thing clearly: Bob Myers is looking for someone with credibility, modern front-office experience and a fresh approach. That helps explain why Atlanta Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh quickly became a name connected to Philadelphia’s search.
According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, Myers attempted to interview Saleh, but the Hawks denied the Sixers permission to speak with him. The reason behind the denial is clear. Saleh is under contract, and Atlanta has no reason to let another organization poach one of its top basketball decision-makers. Sports Illustrated’s Jackson Caudell noted that Saleh had just finished second in NBA Executive of the Year voting behind Celtics president Brad Stevens, which helps explain why the Hawks would want to keep him in place.
Saleh’s résumé is not long compared with some veteran executives, but it is strong. He previously worked with the San Antonio Spurs, then joined the Golden State Warriors, where he worked under Myers in basketball strategy and legal roles.
Saleh joined Atlanta in 2024 as assistant general manager and was promoted to general manager in April 2025 after the Hawks fired Landry Fields. He was promoted after Atlanta finished 40-42 and missed the playoffs for a second straight season.
Since then, Atlanta has shown signs of trying to build a more layered front office around him. The Hawks added Bryson Graham as senior vice president of basketball operations and Peter Dinwiddie as senior vice president of strategy and analytics, with both reporting directly to Saleh.
Saleh brings experience from respected organizations in San Antonio and the Golden State, has a background in strategy and legal work, and already has a relationship with Myers. Philadelphia needs someone who can handle more than transactions. The next executive must navigate Joel Embiid’s future, Paul George’s contract, Tyrese Maxey’s prime, VJ Edgecombe’s development, and a roster that may need either a reset or a serious retool.
Saleh represents the modern front-office candidate: analytical, strategic, and familiar with championship-level operations. The Hawks' blocking the interview suggests they see the same thing.
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Wes Dixon is a contributing writer to 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected].
