Sam Presti Season-Ending Press Conference: Reading Between the Lines

As Sam Presti delivered his season-ending press conference, specific comments hinted to the OKC Thunder’s future.

Let’s face it Sam Presti is among the upper echelon of General Managers. Some might say he ranks in the top three given his ability to pull rabbits out of empty hats. As he delivered his annual address there were significant takeaways. Moreover, certain comments offered intriguing hidden hints as to what may be on the horizon.

Dissecting those comments offered solid takeaways:

Over Achieved:

Clearly ownership got thrown a curveball last July with the departure of Durant. Perhaps for the first time since the former MVP left, Presti hinted at just how much his exit devastated ownership. Several times during the press conference Sam Presti pointed to how difficult the season was and just how impressive the squad performed.

One comment resonated–the fact the Thunder finished sixth as a playoff team despite having the third-youngest roster. Let’s assume Presti was referring to the squad post-trade deadline (average age of 24.9 years). Now, consider where the 2 youngest teams are. That’s right they were lottery-bound and ended getting the top five lottery picks.

As deep as the 2017 draft is though, there is no teaching that compares to experience. An asset the Thunder youngsters received in the playoffs. Next season, with those lessons in hand they will build upon their continuity. A major achievement given the squad lost 50 percent of minutes played via player exits this past offseason.

Specific Areas To Improve:

While the team quite possibly overachieved this year, there are specific areas Sam Presti earmarked for improvement next season.

Turnovers (finished 25th)
Allowing teams to get to the free-throw line (finished 24th most)
Cutting off driving lanes to the basket

Sam Presti noted the team needs to be intentional in terms of evolving and taking on specific growth in their roles. The three areas he outlined aren’t that surprising given their youth, especially the first two. Sure, Westbrook has a high turnover rate, but watch enough games and you’ll note many of those turnovers occur due to a youngster not cutting the right way or being in the spot they should. Similarly, this squad was one of the better defensive teams, but again their youth-led to undisciplined fouls.

OKC Thunder Decade of Excellence:

Over the last 10 years Sam Presti feels the transactions made and solid drafts have placed them among the upper echelon. Presti noted the teams’ flexibility and versatility of the current roster.

One impressive statistic the GM offered is the Thunder has the second-best record over an 8-year period without being in the luxury tax. He doesn’t, however, rule out going into the tax if the circumstances are right. These are critical decisions the brain trust must make given Gibson and Roberson are players OKC is interested in retaining.

Westbrook Extension:

Asked how soon the team can discuss the 5-year extension deal with Westbrook, Presti responded July 1.

As far as the designated player extension option Sam Presti said outside of a few teams this is a vital way for clubs to retain their best players. He further called it healthy for the league. Expanding- if the league is serious about competitive balance this is how it can work. And, Presti alluded to the timing (loss of KD) of the extension not being passed until the new CBA. (more on this at 31:00)

As for Westbrook, Presti noted the inordinate amount of shots in the paint (drop & dish) and at the rim Russ creates. Two players’ names that came up repeatedly were Alex Abrines and Doug McDermott which he pinpointed as having successful playoffs. Clearly the goal is to incorporate these two players more fully in next seasons roster with consistent minutes.

Current Roster Success and Next Steps:

Oladipo:

Presti noted Dipo improved across the board and had his most efficient year. Presti also noted Oladipo has improved in each of his 4 seasons in the league. He feels there is an opportunity for him to have the ball in his hands more to initiate play (only 2 percent of the time this season). Reading into that statement is Presti would like Oladipo to have a greater role next season in being a playmaker, so perhaps we’ll see him split his time more between the first and second unit.

Adams:

Presti referred to Adams as the Thunder’s defensive anchor. He also alluded to the possibility of Adams playing some more minutes in combination with the bench. Presti’s specific reason for this is while Adams had the fifth-best field goal percentage in the NBA he found the big Kiwi played better offensively when paired with McDermott and Abrines.

Related: Presti Magic Show

Kanter:

Enes averaged 33 points per 100 possessions a number Presti stressed very few players can match. The team is hoping he’ll spend time this offseason working on his 3-point shot. Presti also touched on the desire for Kanter to improve upon his already solid passing skills.

He spoke glowingly of Kanter begging the question– was this a checklist he was delivering for other GM’s. Since Enes has been frequently the name dangled as trade bait, this glowing report makes sense.

Roberson:

Presti was effusive in his praise of Roberson saying he exhibits much of the qualities which reflect the Thunder’s success. Further, Presti noted he has been in contact with Andre’s agent and has every indication the defensive specialist desire is to return.

That said, the GM made it clear there needs to be common ground between the parties Read: there is a definitive cap Presti has in mind and no way the team will go above it. Finally, with regards to Roberson, Presti said he is the type of player Westbrook needs around him. (comments on this at 38:45 of recording).

Gibson and McDermott:

Much of the teams post All-Star success Presti felt had to do with the acquisition of the two Bulls. He noted the team finished top 10 offensively and defensively after the trade. Moreover, he was adamant the club will do whatever is possible to retain Taj in free agency.

Collison:

As for the elder statesman on the team, he’ll be a first-time free agent having always signed extensions in the past. Known to be friendly with Presti it was therefore not surprising the GM said “if there is a way to make it happen they will.”

Forecasting Growth:

OKC will look at every opportunity – but unless someone is willing to give us precisely what we want at the price we want we won’t do it (read: don’t expect much change – or check for the rabbit!).

Much of what the team accomplished this season while impressive is not anywhere near what the brain trust believe can be achieved. Much time was spent discussing cohesion and continuity. Touching on the management’s belief in the youth Presti noted OKC was the only team with 4 players under 25 shooting 36 percent or better (from deep). He expects Kanter and Sabonis to join them next season.

The other hint for next season is the team played much more small ball late in the season, so expect more of that moving forward.

Any Wiggle Room?

While Sam Presti said the Thunder will consider going into the tax, the reality is it’s unlikely OKC would do that. And 49:00 notes 21st draft pick represents opportunity and $5million trade exception that remains

More from Thunderous Intentions

As for free agents and trades, again the team is limited by their cap. Perhaps the most interesting comments Presti made during his podium speech were

“short of a team calling & offering up a player we want to have the growth has to come from internal growth and the middle of team.”

This was followed by

“We’re not in a position to be a cap space team or extend major offers – it’s more about people extending offers to us”

Reading into these two statements it seems pretty clear Presti was indicating the team is desirous of very specific players. Taking a stab at who those players might be let’s assume calls regarding Blake Griffin, Jimmy Butler, Paul George, Gordon Hayward, Otto Porter, or Kentavious Caldwell Pope would all be calls Sam Presti would take.

The bottom line this is a young close-knit group that the franchise is happy with and wants to grow the core. that doesn’t mean Presti won’t look to improve the squad, rather they’ll focus on continuity and growth until he answers a call with the right party on the other end.