Atlanta Hawks fire Landry Fields as GM after disappointing seasons
- The Atlanta Hawks fired Landry Fields after three seasons, primarily due to the team's failure to make the playoffs.
- Onsi Saleh has been promoted to the general manager position as the organization looks to improve its performance.
- The Hawks are currently seeking a president of basketball operations to help provide strategic direction for the franchise.
In the United States, the Atlanta Hawks made a significant change in their management by parting ways with general manager Landry Fields. This decision came after three seasons during which the team underperformed, missing the playoffs for the last two years. Following a disappointing display in the playoffs, specifically an overtime loss to the Miami Heat in the play-in tournament, Hawks ownership expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of progress. Therefore, they decided to move forward with a new approach, promptly promoting Onsi Saleh to the role of general manager. Landry Fields had a challenging tenure as GM. Despite making a variety of promising moves, such as trading for players like Larry Nance Jr. and securing Dyson Daniels, Fields was unable to turn the team’s fortunes around. Daniels, once regarded as merely a supporting player in the trade, emerged as one of the league’s premier defenders, leading in total steals and becoming a finalist for the defensive player of the year award. Additionally, Fields was responsible for selecting Zaccharie Risacher as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, a decision that has produced a promising rookie averaging 12.6 points per game and being a finalist for rookie of the year. Despite these positive developments on the roster, the ownership prioritized the overall results and team progress when deciding to relieve Fields of his duties. Hawks principal owner Tony Ressler stated that the organization evaluates its operations every offseason and is committed to navigating complex decisions with precision, emphasizing the need for a new senior-level leader to guide the team strategically. The promotion of Saleh is seen as a significant move to realign the team's strategies and build a structure that can drive the Hawks towards success in the coming seasons. The unfortunate situation for Fields highlights the high expectations in NBA management, where performance is closely monitored and shortfalls are acted upon swiftly. The Hawks haven't won a playoff series since their run to the Eastern Conference finals in 2021, and the ownership's response to remain competitive signals their dedication to improvement. Saleh's experience, including three years with the Golden State Warriors and time spent with the San Antonio Spurs, positions him well as he steps into the new role. The focus remains on finding a president of basketball operations to assist in constructing a successful path forward for the franchise.