Sam Presti rumored to be candidate for Knicks job
By Tony Heim
Sam Presti wouldn’t leave the OKC Thunder would he? If the Knicks have their way there is a possibility.
Don’t fret just yet Thunder nation. Although Sam Presti and the New York Knicks have officially been linked in reports, it appears all the talk has come from the Knicks side.
"Another name that has been mentioned internally as a candidate is Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti, sources told ESPN. The Knicks would likely need to offer compensation to the Thunder for Presti, who is currently under contract."
This does bring up an interesting scenario though. The past ten years (yes Presti was there for one Seattle season) SuperSonics/Thunder fans (yes there are a few of us out there) have been blessed with a young, intelligent General Manager. Unlike players, GM’s don’t switch teams unless they are 1) fired from one job or 2) one of the best GM’s in the game.
It just so happens Presti falls in Category #2. So now the Big Fish of the NBA want in on Oklahoma City’s biggest off-the-court advantage.
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There’s good news for Thunder fans though. Sam Presti seems to be built like a non-freak athlete version of Russell Westbrook. Presti has adopted Oklahoma City as his home just like Westbrook; he was recognized as Humanitarian of the Year just last year. He’s discussed how intriguing the challenge of re-building a contender sounds, a sign of a strong competitor like Westbrook. Presti even dresses to the nines, much like his MVP.
That’s not to say that New York wouldn’t interest him. The City would provide Presti with the one aspect he’s been missing in OKC: a free agent destination. He’d have unlimited dollars to spend, a young budding star in Kristaps Porzingis and the opportunity to bring back winning basketball to a fanbase devoid of happiness.
As of now there has been no mention of interest from the Thunder or Presti. But to even think that Sam Presti may leave for a better situation is scary speculation. So we’ll leave with this:
#inPrestiwetrust