Sam Presti Discusses Thunder Offseason, Future

In an editorial published in The Oklahoman, Thunder head of basketball operations Sam Presti addressed the team’s fans directly in discussing the franchise’s summer roster overhaul. In the last month, Oklahoma City has traded away reliable starter Jerami Grant, MVP finalist Paul George, and franchise cornerstone Russell Westbrook.

“This summer, the story of the Oklahoma City Thunder is transitioning to a new phase. Over the last few weeks, we have parted ways with foundational players — people who have represented our city to the world, who have sacrificed for us and flourished on our behalf,” Presti wrote. “Although this has been painful, I also believe that — given the circumstances — it was necessary. In saying goodbye to the past, we have begun to chart our future. The next great Thunder team is out there somewhere, but it will take time to seize and discipline to ultimately sustain.”

Within his editorial, Presti spoke about the team’s goal of building sustainable, long-term success, suggesting that the front office will need to resist taking shortcuts and accept any criticism that comes its way during the rebuilding process.

Presti cautioned that the rebuild will take some time and that “things will inevitably get harder from here,” but said the Thunder will be “fearless, focused, and relentless in seeking opportunities to improve our long-term position.”

Interestingly, Presti also explored the challenges of building a championship contender while not having the advantages that come with playing in a major market like Los Angeles or New York.

“Despite our city’s rapid rise and growth, Oklahoma City remains the second-smallest market in the NBA,” Presti wrote. “While this brings many benefits, it also poses strategic challenges. Given the way the league’s system is designed, small market teams operate with significant disadvantages. There is no reason to pretend otherwise.

“This in no way means we cannot be extraordinarily successful — we, and several other small to mid-market teams, are our own best examples of the ability to overcome these realities. It simply means we must be thinking differently, optimistically, finding our advantages by other means.”

The Thunder have earned a spot in the postseason in nine of the last 10 seasons, making it to the Finals once during the stretch and to the Western Conference Finals three more times. However, the team is considered more likely to land in the lottery than to make the playoffs in 2019/20.