New Atlanta Hawks GM Onsi Saleh made himself an early contender for Executive of the Year with an A+ offseason. The Hawks, who have been stuck in the Play-In for four consecutive years, have finally broken through their glass ceiling and are expected to be playoff threats.
ESPN has clearly noticed this offseason and has shown faith in the Hawks as a result. In the recent three-year future power rankings, the team jumped eleven spots to 12th. The Hawks ranked seventh in draft outlook, ninth in financial situation, 11th in both management and market, and 14th in player quality.