Bonus pod: Exit Interviews to wrap up the Hawks season

This bonus episode of the Locked On Hawks podcast wraps up the 2025-2026 season with a deep dive into the team's exit interviews, featuring candid reflections from players and general manager Antti Saleh. Host Brad Rolm provides a comprehensive breakdown of player sentiments, highlighting Jalen Johnson’s emotional commitment to never letting the team experience such a painful loss again, and Jock Landale’s focus on health and longevity. Antti Saleh’s full 20-minute press conference is played in full, where he expresses pride in the team’s 46-win season, the remarkable progress of young players like Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels, and the development of a sustainable, future-focused culture. Saleh emphasizes that the Hawks are not one piece away from contention but are building a foundation through player growth and strategic roster management. He also discusses the importance of the upcoming summer league, the draft, and the long-term vision for the franchise, while affirming his confidence in players like Zachary Shachey despite his reduced role. The episode closes with a reminder that full interviews are available on the Hawks’ official YouTube channel. Key takeaways include: the Hawks’ success is rooted in development over immediate wins; the team’s identity was forged in adversity and injury; player buy-in and leadership from veterans like Buddy Heald and CJ McCollum were pivotal; the summer will be critical for player growth and draft preparation; and Antti Saleh’s leadership is focused on long-term sustainability, not quick fixes. The overall tone is one of cautious optimism—acknowledging a painful end to the season while celebrating significant progress and a promising future.