Sam Presti Articles - Page 3

Oklahoma City ThunderSam Presti responds to Kevin Durant's scathing comments toward OKC

A newly-bearded Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti responded to Kevin Durant’s scathing comments about the organization and its employees during an interview with WSJ. Magazine. The longtime executive didn’t go into details, but noted the organization has done everything that’s been asked of it during his tenure in OKC. “I think we’ve been […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder GM Sam Presti speaks out on realistic goals for 2019-20 season

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Sam Presti pushed the reset button after they traded away both Paul George and Russell Westbrook in the offseason. The trade officially places Oklahoma City in rebuild mode for the foreseeable future. In an interview with Brett Dawson of The Athletic, Thunder GM Sam Presti discussed about their plan of […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder GM Sam Presti encouraged by Darius Bazley's ballhandling, but knows it'll be a process with him

The Oklahoma City Thunder took a chance in one of the most unique prospects in the 2019 NBA Draft, selecting Darius Bazley with the 23rd overall pick, a long, dynamic forward who chose to forgo his college eligibility and turned down Syracuse to seek out his own path to the league. Thunder general manager Sam […]

Oklahoma City ThunderNBA exec expects Thunder GM Sam Presti to trade Chris Paul 'for something useful'

An anonymous NBA executive expects Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti to trade veteran point guard Chris Paul “for something useful” down the line. Paul is expected to begin the 2019-20 season on the Thunder. However, Presti will most likely try and find a trade partner for CP3 before the February 2020 trade deadline. […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder GM Sam Presti explains why he granted Paul George's trade request

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti spoke with the local media on Thursday and talked about why he granted small forward Paul George’s trade request. The Thunder traded George to the Los Angeles Clippers and got an unbelievable haul. OKC acquired Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari and five first-round picks: Sam Presti on why he […]

Oklahoma City ThunderSam Presti hesitant to say OKC is starting to rebuild

Despite the fact that the Oklahoma City Thunder lost Paul George and Russell Westbrook this offseason, general manager Sam Presti isn’t quite ready to say that his team is entering a rebuilding phase. “I wouldn’t say that we’ve started to rebuild,” Presti told Brett Dawson of The Athletic on Thursday. “The first step is re-positioning […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder GM Sam Presti expresses confusion about Russell Westbrook, Paul George 'discontent' with franchise

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti had kind words for former stars Paul George and Russell Westbrook at a press conference on Thursday, but he also seemed surprised when questioned about the reported discontent of the duo. Presti claimed that most NBA players are unhappy when the season ends without a championship, and insisted […]

Oklahoma City ThunderSam Presti says Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a 'tremendously bright future'

Though they lost Paul George in their recent trade with the L.A. Clippers, the Oklahoma City Thunder received Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as part of the deal — a player who Sam Presti is excited to have aboard. In a recent interview with Brett Dawson of The Athletic, Presti noted that Gilgeous-Alexander has “a bright future in […]

Oklahoma City ThunderSam Presti says it's 'really, really special' to have a future Hall of Famer in Chris Paul with Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder will be fielding a team led by Chris Paul next season, as long as there’s no surprise trade in the coming months. The Thunder are not expected to contend for a championship, but they have what it takes to be competitive. General manager Sam Presti said he’s excited to see what […]

Oklahoma City ThunderSam Presti says he didn't get Paul George trade request until July

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti explained the Paul George situation at length, claiming he did not hear of his trade request until July, according to Maddie Lee of The Oklahoman. “When the situation developed in July, that was the first we heard of that,” said Presti, referring to the George trade request. Presti […]

Los Angeles ClippersSam Presti disagrees that parting ways with Paul George was 'mutual,' but it wasn't 'adversarial'

The L.A. Clippers welcomed Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to the organization with an introductory press conference on Wednesday afternoon. During the event, George noted that his decision to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder was “mutual.” However, Thunder general manager Sam Presti “wouldn’t necessarily agree” with George’s assessment, according to a report from Brett Dawson […]

Oklahoma City ThunderSam Presti thanks Russell Westbrook, Paul George for their contributions

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti was effusive in thanking Russell Westbrook and Paul George for their contributions shortly after taking out an op-ed on The Oklahoman to explain the team’s decision to undergo a rebuild. Presti thanked Westbrook “for the tremendous contributions he’s made to our organization and community, the time he put […]

Oklahoma City ThunderSam Presti laments challenges of being in a small market

The Oklahoma City Thunder has lost two of their best players after they have decided to trade both Paul George and Russell Westbrook. And as painful as it is for the team executives, particularly general manager Sam Presti, they will have to go through the long process of rebuild once again. Since 2008, the Thunder […]

Oklahoma City ThunderGM Sam Presti pens op-ed in local paper to explain the major decisions made this summer

At the end of last season, fans of the Oklahoma City Thunder were still optimistic about their team’s future, even after back-t0-back exits in the first round of the playoffs with Russell Westbrook and Paul George leading the way. Back then it felt like they only needed a couple more pieces to legitimately contend for […]

Oklahoma City ThunderSam Presti, Thunder front office received death threats after trading Paul George

The Oklahoma City Thunder front office has revealed that they received death threats after trading Paul George to the LA Clippers. In a report by Perris Jones of ABC-affiliate KOCO News, a man left two voicemails threatening the Thunder’s front office, coaches, and general manager Sam Presti. A transcript of the voice mail read in […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder's Sam Presti comments on getting Chris Paul, picks in Russell Westbrook trade

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets pulled off what initially seemed like an impossible trade to once again jumpstart what has been an incredibly action-packed offseason. With All-NBA point guard Russell Westbrook heading from Oklahoma City to Houston, the Thunder most notably received fellow All-Star point guard Chris Paul in return. However, the plot […]

Oklahoma City ThunderGM Sam Presti says Russell Westbrook 'is the most important player' in Thunder history

The Oklahoma City Thunder made the Russell Westbrook trade official on Tuesday, with fans saying goodbye to the 30-year-old who spent his entire 11-year NBA career thus far with the Thunder. OKC general manager Sam Presti had some words of praise for the departing Westbrook too. Presti has been with the organization since its relocation […]

Oklahoma City Thunder3 biggest NBA offseason takeaways for the Thunder

In a rather unexpected turn of events, the Oklahoma City Thunder have blown it up this offseason, trading away Paul George and beloved star Russell Westbrook for a massive haul of draft picks (and Chris Paul). It’s not like the Thunder could have improved if they didn’t decide to trade their two stars, so this […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder GM Sam Presti praised around NBA for how he handled Paul George situation

When Paul George signed a four-year deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder last summer, he seemed to be making a commitment to the franchise that he was there to stay. George had an opportunity to return home to play for the Los Angeles Lakers, but instead elected to return to Oklahoma City. So Thunder general […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder GM Sam Presti says Paul George should be remembered fondly after trade to Clippers

Despite leaving a colossal demolition of the franchise in the wake of his trade, Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti urged fans to remember Paul George fondly for his two years with the team. George left a sour taste in the mouths of fans when he requested a trade to the LA Clippers behind […]

Los Angeles ClippersReport: Clippers feared Sam Presti would send Paul George to Raptors to pair with Kawhi Leonard

The Los Angeles Clippers shocked the NBA community by trading for Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George and signing NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, immediately elevating their status in the Western Conference with just one bold stroke. But after the Clippers began the regular season as the presumptive favorites to land Leonard in the summer, […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder's Sam Presti says he has seen 'impressive' clips of Andre Roberson as he prepares for return to court

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti gave an update on rehabbing swingman Andre Roberson on Friday, saying he has seen “impressive” clips of the 27-year-old as he continues his training in Texas, according to Erik Horne of The Oklahoman. This is a good sign given Roberson hasn’t played since January 2018 due to a […]

Oklahoma City ThunderGM Sam Presti concedes Thunder are trying to achieve cost savings after NBA Draft

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti admitted the organization will have to make some cost-pertinent decisions in the wake of the NBA Draft: “Last season in order to keep Paul George and Jerami Grant in Oklahoma City, we were going to have to be aggressive in that situation,” said Presti, according to Erik Horne […]

Oklahoma City Thunder3 bold offseason predictions for the Oklahoma City Thunder

It was an up-and-down 2018-19 season for the Oklahoma City Thunder who were the best team in the NBA at times and the most disappointing at others. Unfortunately for Thunder fans, it was the latter that won out in the end. A season full of promise was over just as the playoffs had just started. […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder's Sam Presti thought Alex Abrines would have a breakout year, blames himself for OKC's lack of wing depth

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti thought Alex Abrines would be the next breakout star for the team. Injuries and personal problems forced the organization to waive the Spaniard, leaving a lack of wing depth in the roster. Per Maddie Lee of The Oklahoman, Presti blamed himself for not making the ample moves to […]

Oklahoma City ThunderSam Presti discusses Russell Westbrook's current status with the Thunder

There isn’t a star player in the NBA who is currently under more scrutiny than Russell Westbrook. Not LeBron James. Not Kevin Durant. Not Kyrie Irving. Nobody. Following a third straight first-round playoff exit, many are now questioning just how good Westbrook really is and whether or not the Oklahoma City Thunder can actually win […]

Oklahoma City ThunderSam Presti has straightforward response to Thunder's playoff performance

For the third straight year, the Oklahoma City Thunder were eliminated from the first round of the playoffs. In 2017, it was excused, as the clearly overmatched Thunder lost in the first round to the Houston Rockets. But these last two years? It has been a bad look for Oklahoma City. First, the Thunder fell […]

Oklahoma City ThunderSam Presti anticipates Billy Donovan returning as Thunder coach

Despite the fact that the Oklahoma City Thunder were sent home in the first round of the plays, it sounds like Billy Donovan will be returning as head coach of the team next season. In an interview with the media on Monday morning, Thunder general manager Sam Presti noted that he is anticipating Donovan’s return […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThe Thunder should think about trading Russell Westbrook

The mere concept of trading Russell Westbrook might be too fraught for the Oklahoma City Thunder to fathom. No player in the league, with the ever notable exception of Damian Lillard, is more synonymous with his team than the Thunder’s superstar point guard. He was a reckless rookie for the Thunder’s 3-29 start during their […]

Oklahoma City ThunderWho is most to blame for the Oklahoma City Thunder's struggles?

There was a time when the Oklahoma City Thunder were one of the most feared teams in the league and were seen as a perennial title contender. Those days are long gone, as they flew out the door with Kevin Durant during the summer of 2016. To be fair, no one expected the Thunder to […]

Los Angeles LakersRumor: Lakers' Jeanie Buss to feel out Spurs, Warriors, Thunder, Raptors, Blazers front offices for replacement

The recent public resignation of Los Angeles Lakers president Magic Johnson has forced controlling-owner Jeanie Buss to be on the lookout for her next executive. The process of doing so will start with feeling out the temperature of the likes of R.C. Buford (San Antonio Spurs), Bob Myers (Golden State Warriors), Sam Presti (Oklahoma City Thunder), […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder GM Sam Presti doesn't think Dennis Schroder's legal situation will be a distraction

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti has reason to believe that guard Dennis Schroder’s pending legal situation won’t be a distraction for long, according to Royce Young of ESPN. Sam Presti said he can’t speak too much to Dennis Schröder’s legal situation but said, “I wouldn’t expect it to be a distraction in any […]

Oklahoma City ThunderSam Presti says OKC won't push Russell Westbrook to be ready for start of regular season

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti said the team won’t try to rush star point guard Russell Westbrook to be ready for the start of the regular season, according to ESPN’s Royce Young. Presti maintained that the organization has never pushed a player to return from injury and it won’t start with Westbrook, its […]

Philadelphia 76ersBeat writer explains why Philly hired Elton Brand and not other 'name' general managers

The Philadelphia Sixers announced the signing of their new general manager, former player Elton Brand, who is only two years removed from announcing his (second) retirement from the NBA. While Brand was a popular choice, and one president and head coach Brett Brown hinted at recently during his annual media luncheon, he fell well-short of the […]

Oklahoma City ThunderNerlens Noel says GM Sam Presti is 'beyond special'

Nerlens Noel, the newest member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, had nothing but praise for its general manager Sam Presti. Per Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, Noel has great trust in the organization, noting that Presti is ‘beyond special’: Nerlens Noel had some great things to say about fellow Mass. native, #Thunder GM Sam […]

Oklahoma City ThunderSam Presti has been in meetings 'all day' trying to resolve Carmelo Anthony situation

The past few days have been hectic for Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti. Carmelo Anthony’s contract is a tough load to carry. He is trying to resolve the situation as we speak, with firm hopes of finally ending Anthony’s short-lived era with the Thunder. As per Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press: Sources: […]

Oklahoma City ThunderWhat OKC can do about Carmelo Anthony and their $300 million financial woes

The NBA’s offseason is barely a week old, but the Oklahoma City Thunder appear to be intent on keeping their 2017-18 roster intact for the most part despite not getting past the first round of the playoffs. They currently have the most expensive roster in the league but it is difficult to justify their $300 […]

Oklahoma City ThunderStephen Curry takes light jab at Thunder GM Sam Presti

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry took to social media to take a light jab at Oklahoma Thunder general manager Sam Presti. How do we know this? Well, because it literally happened and because it was pointed out to our basketball loving planet by Bleacher Report on the mean streets of Twitter. Steph asking the […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder's Sam Presti thinks Paul George is tremendous fit for OKC

Erik Horne of The Oklahoman recently conducted an interview with Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti. As most hoops fans know, the Thunder were eliminated from this season’s playoffs in the first round — defeated by the Utah Jazz in six games. Now, with the offseason on the horizon, the discussion has inevitably turned […]

Oklahoma City ThunderRussell Westbrook determined to become better catch-and-shoot 3-point shooter

Russell Westbrook is one of the best players in the league, but even the best players have places they can improve. The Oklahoma City Thunder have had problems taking that next step since Kevin Durant left, but if everyone on the team improves just a little bit this team has the key pieces in place […]

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