Hawks’ Onsi Saleh Says Atlanta Is “Not Skipping Steps” Ahead of 2026 NBA Draft

The Atlanta Hawks are entering the 2026 NBA Draft with confidence, clarity, and a front office that appears ready for whatever comes its way.

Hawks President of Basketball Operations Onsi Saleh met with the media ahead of the draft and made one thing clear: Atlanta likes where it stands, but the organization is not pretending the work is finished.

“We’re not skipping steps,” Saleh said, a phrase he repeated throughout the availability.

The Hawks currently hold picks No. 8, No. 23 and No. 57, and Saleh said the team’s board is already set.

“We’re locked and loaded,” Saleh said. “I don’t think anybody’s moving around anymore. I think that’s bad process if you’re moving around this late.”

Saleh said he feels good about the options at both No. 8 and No. 23, while the team is still digging through possibilities at No. 57. Even with the board set, the Hawks are open to movement if the right opportunity comes along.

“Anything’s possible,” Saleh said. “If we just stayed still and had 8 and 23, I feel really good about it.”

Saleh knows firsthand how quickly draft night can change. Last year, the Hawks moved pick No. 13 while on the clock, and he said the volume of calls between teams can get “crazy” once the draft starts.

“You do have to make a quick decision really fast that’s going to impact your organization for years to come,” Saleh said. “But we’re ready for that too.”

Atlanta has spent time preparing for dozens of possible draft-night scenarios, including trade-ups, trade-downs, and opportunities to acquire established players. Saleh said the organization wants to remain opportunistic without becoming reckless.

That approach also connects to the bigger picture. While Saleh believes the Hawks have talent, he also emphasized development, patience, and continuity.

The Hawks saw growth last season from players like Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu and Dyson Daniels, but Saleh noted that several players were stepping into bigger roles for the first time.

“Our biggest form of improvement is honestly our development,” Saleh said.

Saleh also confirmed the Hawks agreed to terms with CJ McCollum, praising the veteran guard for what he brought to the team last season.

“He’s been an ultimate professional veteran for our team,” Saleh said. “We’re super excited to have CJ back here.”

For Saleh, keeping McCollum helps build continuity around a group that was assembled late last season. He said having a full training camp together will be important for the next step in Atlanta’s growth.

Saleh also spoke highly of head coach Quin Snyder, calling their relationship honest, strong, and essential to building the right foundation.

“We want to build a champion here,” Saleh said. “I didn’t come here to lose in a first round. It takes time to do that.”

When asked about replacing the general manager position, Saleh said he feels good about the current front office structure and praised the group around him, including assistant general manager Kyle Korver.

Saleh called Korver “phenomenal” and said his eye for players, work ethic, and ability to ask the right questions have been valuable to the Hawks’ process.

As for this year’s draft class, Saleh would not name specific prospects, but he did praise the depth of the guard group.

“I think this is one of the best point guard classes we’ve had in a long time,” Saleh said.

He also said the Hawks value more than just talent when evaluating prospects. Mentality, work ethic, and a player’s desire to improve all matter.

“Talent is one thing,” Saleh said. “But the mentality and the psyche to get better is really important for us.”

With three picks, a set board, and a willingness to listen, Atlanta enters draft night with options. Saleh made it clear the Hawks are not chasing quick fixes, but they are ready to act if the right move presents itself.

The mission is clear: build the right way, grow the young core, keep continuity, and take the next step.

Because in Atlanta, the Hawks are not skipping steps — but they are definitely trying to climb.