Hawks GM Onsi Saleh Impresses NBA Scout with Deadline Moves

Once-skeptical scout now sees vision for Atlanta's long-term future after flurry of trades.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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An NBA scout who previously doubted the Atlanta Hawks' ability to break through now sees the vision of general manager Onsi Saleh after the team's flurry of trades at the trade deadline. The scout believes the Hawks have clearly picked a path forward for the franchise's long-term future.

Why it matters

The Hawks have struggled in recent seasons, but the scout's change of opinion suggests that Saleh's strategy and the team's deadline moves have impressed league observers and could signal a positive turning point for the franchise.

The details

The Hawks made a number of trades at the 2026 NBA trade deadline that have caught the attention of an NBA scout who was once skeptical about the team's direction. The scout now believes Saleh has charted a clear path forward for the Hawks' long-term future.

  • The trades occurred at the 2026 NBA trade deadline.

The players

Onsi Saleh

The general manager of the Atlanta Hawks who engineered the team's trades at the 2026 deadline.

NBA Scout

An anonymous NBA scout who previously doubted the Hawks' ability to improve but now sees the vision in Saleh's deadline moves.

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What they’re saying

“They've picked a path. I think that's the biggest thing.”

— NBA Scout (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

The takeaway

Onsi Saleh's trades at the 2026 NBA deadline have impressed a previously skeptical NBA scout, suggesting the Hawks' long-term vision under Saleh's leadership is gaining traction and could signal a positive turning point for the franchise.