At any moment, Sam Presti could strike. He’s one of the best general managers out there at keeping everything under his hat until it happens.
But it’s starting to get to be that time of the season where NBA GMs are calling each other daily to see what’s going on. And I don’t mean that they’re just checking in and saying “Merry Christmas.” Presti is no exception, as he told HoopsWorld:
“About this time of year this start to pick up, and I’m sure we’ll take our fair share of calls and make our fair share of calls,” Presti Tells HOOPSWORLD. “That said, the group that we have is one that we see working together, growing together, and continuing to learn together. We understand that we’re still a work in progress, and the areas where we’re trying to improve as a team – being more defensive-minded, being a team that moves the ball and plays for the pass, a team that brings energy every single night – those are areas that we still want to see growth in. We’re confident that our guys are going to keep working. We’ve got an excellent focus on the practice floor led by Scott, and we’ll look for our development and our progress to come internally.”
So, let me say aloud what we’re all thinking: Who could Presti be offering up or going after? What exactly could the Thunder be in the market for?
Most of you just shouted “BIG MAN!” at your computer screen, but that might not be it. I’m speculating, but something tells me that could be what Presti has on the block. Read more…
Everybody’s signing up for a long-term ride on the Thunder train.
Clay Bennett announced via a release the Thunder and Sam Presti have agreed on a multi-year extension. Terms were not released.
Bennett said: “We are fortunate to have Sam leading our basketball organization. He is extremely committed to the growth of our franchise, of our players, and this community. He has helped build an identity for this organization that we can all be proud of. I look forward to our continued work together as we experience the challenges of creating sustainable success.”
Presti’s comments: “I am extremely humbled to have the opportunity to continue our work here with the Thunder. Oklahoma City is home for me. We have a committed group of players, excellent coaches led by Scott Brooks, and a support staff in both basketball and business, that is integral to the vision of our organization and I am grateful for their partnership. I would also like to thank Clay for his support and trust. He has been central and unwavering in our efforts to build, enhance and sustain an elite franchise. We are fortunate to work with such a committed ownership group.”
Everyone praises the Thunder organization for making great decisions and doing things right, but it’s honestly not hard when there are great people place that do their jobs better than everyone else. It doesn’t take a lot of brilliance to sign KD to a long-term extension deal or Presti to a multi-year contract. Heck, I think I could even do that. Hey, wait a minute. There’s an opening in the front office RIGHT NOW.
In response to the NY Post article that cites anonymous “Northwest” sources claiming Sam Presti has already interviewed with the Blazers, Presti said this:
“The story is absolutely false,” Presti said in response Tuesday. “I have not interviewed with any teams or spoken to officials related to a team, nor do I intend to. I have a terrific situation here with the Thunder and enjoy being a member of the Oklahoma City community. I am excited about the short and long term vision for our organization.”
Yes, that’s right. Sam Presti was gracious enough to give me a few minutes to ask him a bunch of questions ranging from free agency, next year’s expectations, what he does in his free time and whether he’s decided on OU or OSU. It’s all really great. At least his part of it is. (You can also listen to the interview in full if you so please. Also, I realize I said Earl Watson instead of Chucky Atkins in the first question, so no need to point that out. I was a little nervous, all right?)
Talk a little about bringing in Etan Thomas and trading away Damien Wilkins and Earl Watson Chucky Atkins.
We’re really excited to have Etan. He’s a guy we feel than can contribute to what we’re trying to do as a basketball team. He brings a defensive mentality and physical nature to our and adds more depth to our frontline.
One thing I’ve noticed is that it seems the Thunder has all high-character guys. Is that something high on your priority list? Will you sacrifice a really good player if he has character issues?
We’re looking for guys that we think are going to fit with our team. It’s not necessarily for us to be judge and jury on other people, but we are looking for people that are going to contribute to the kind of environment on and off the floor that we strive to have. And we feel good about the type of guys that we have on our roster in terms of their fit together – on the court, also their fit off the court and their commitment to the organization. We’re looking for guys that feel we can be successful in our system. Read more…
You’ve got to love Sam’s high-swoop Conan O’Brien-ish hairdo. He looks sharp. But he is pretty boring on the mic. He’s got his catchphrases and his catchwords that’s he likes. “Excited,” “Good fit for our organization,” “Opportunity” and “Do our work.” But all that aside, I freaking love Sam Presti. He’s so slick, so smart and so… smart looking. He just makes you feel like he knows what he’s doing. Well, that and the fact that he actually does know what he’s doing.
If you’re head’s not spinning by now, then you just haven’t been paying much attention. Ever since Tuesday night’s last envelope was opened, the NBA rumor mill and speculation factory (speculation factory?) have been on fire. On fire I say.
Will the Thunder move up? Move down? Take Thabeet at three? Harden at three? Someone else at three? Will Rubio fall to three? Does OKC even want Rubio? Should the Thunder trade its pick for a proven veteran? Who does OKC like? What are the Thunder’s needs? Trade the pick to the Lions so they can draft a wide receiver? Questions, questions and more questions. There’s so much to talk about right now, it’s almost hard to keep up.
Some people love Hasheem Thabeet. And there’s good reason to. He’s 7’3″, can protect the rim, is a raw player that is sure to improve both, is a two-time Big East defensive player of the year and fills a need for OKC. But there’s also good reason not to. Big guys like him are hit and miss. He doesn’t move his feet very well. He has hands of stone. Can he defend more agile NBA big men? You’re banking on an offensive game to develop and it may not.
Some people love James Harden (raises hand). He’s a complete offensive player that can pass, shoot, dribble and make people better around him. He’s a perfect complementary shooting guard for Russell Westbrook. He doesn’t need others to create his offense. But there are defensive questions. Is he big enough? Is he quick enough? Is he athletic enough? Does he have enough range on his shot?
And all this goes on and on and on. You can play this guessing game with every player in the draft. Ty Lawson, DeMar DeRozen, Jordan Hill, whoever. You can play the game with trade options. You can play it all over the place. I know I will. Heck, it’s kind of the point of this here place. To speculate, analyze, discuss and debate all things Thunder. It’s pretty freaking fun honestly. Read more…
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