Sam Presti 2018 year end press conference: reading between the lines

Re-signing Paul George is Top Priority:

Presti has been down this road before. He believed OKC had the upper hand in retaining Kevin Durant only to watch helplessly as he bolted to join the team they were minutes from defeating. This time Presti has been careful to keep an active line of communication open with George and his management team.

For those familiar with how George handled his end of days in Indiana, there is reason to exercise caution. Yet, with the same token, there have been exacting comments which do seem to point to a difference. For example, George spoke earlier this season of how difficult it is to develop chemistry from a standing start. Moreover, his inability to garner positives with the reserve unit speak to how difficult the job would be in LA with numerous youngsters.

The Selling Points:

Many believe LeBron James will head to the Hollywood Hills. This due to his LA homes and production company. An unsuccessful title run with Cleveland could stamp his departure. But, it still seems more likely the King will join a talent-laden squad like the Sixers. This would ensure his continued ability to own the East while making copious title runs in an effort to catch or tie his only nemesis – Michael Jordan and his six titles.

For this reason, George’s departure isn’t as likely as many assume. He enjoys not having to be ‘the lone alpha’. And, he’s overtly aware of how much greater his defensive stats are with Andre Roberson beside him.

Listen carefully to how frequently Presti mentions Roberson and Grant. Then count the number of times he brings up the open dialogue with George and his team. My belief is Presti will be selling George on how he along with Westbrook, Roberson, Adams, and Grant could be the best starting five in the Association.

Presti also pointed to the burgeoning relationship between George and Westbrook on and off-court. This may well be Russell’s biggest homework assignment in the offseason.