Quick pivots have become an Atlanta Hawks staple under current governor Tony Ressler and his ownership group, and that trend could already be in full effect this offseason.
Amid a slew of links to top-tier executives and a maverick plan to follow the agent-to-executive plan that the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers enacted en route to championships in recent years.
Per NBA insider Jake Fischer for The Stein Line, that search may end up being all for not.
“Another interesting scenario has begun to circulate,” Fischer, “The People’s Insider,” wrote for The Stein Line on May 16.
“They announced to the world on April 21 that they are searching for a president of basketball operations to take over the front office, but sources briefed on the situation have suggested that Atlanta could opt for making no additional changes to its management structure after promoting cap strategist Onsi Saleh to general manager.”
That would be a significant downshift for the Hawks.
At the outset, the messaging was that they would spare no expense to secure the top executive of their choice. However, Bob Myers, of Warriors acclaim, is said to be happy in his roles as a television analyst and NFL consultant.
Elton Brand removed himself from consideration to remain in his general manager role with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Other names linked to the Hawks included agent Alex Saratsis of Octagon.
Hawks’ potential pivot screams same old song
Saratsis is part of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo’s team of representatives, which would seem to create a link from the two-time MVP and one-time champion to Atlanta amid uncertainty around his future.
However, the possibility that the Hawks stick with Saleh as their possible top decision-makers highlights a far less glorious reality about the Hawks, and specifically their governor, Ressler.
Saleh’s claim to NBA fame has been as a salary cap strategist.
That is not inherently a negative thing. However, it does call into question just how committed ownership might be toward a roster that could quickly become expensive again with Dyson Daniels and Trae Young both extension-eligible after historic seasons.
It is no secret that championship pursuits, particularly extended ones, require excessive spending, the likes of which helped Myers in his decision to step away from the Warriors.
Those teams, like the prototype Lakers, were also built under a different CBA.
The reality is that the new CBA is far more conducive to the way that Ressler has always preferred to operate, remaining competitive while attempting to build through the draft, shrewd free agency signings, and trade acquisitions rather than spending to build a potential winner.
Factor in all of the turnover the Hawks have experienced since Ressler’s group assumed control in 2015, and it is not surprising that they could be left to promote from within.