OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti’s 2013 NBA draft obsession

The 2016 Offeseason

Arguably, Sam Presti’s best trade as GM was the highway robbery of Orlando on the night of the 2016 draft, selling high on Serge Ibaka. In addition to acquiring Victor Oladipo, Presti netted a solid stretch-four in Ersan Ilyasova and the 11th overall pick, highly touted rookie Domantas Sabonis.

Oladipo was supposed to be the reliable sixth man the Thunder had so desperately lacked the past few years. But once Kevin Durant left, he was forced to take on a bigger role in the starting lineup. He had a nice season that was slightly limited by wrist injuries and an awkward fit as Russell Westbrook‘s backcourt mate.

Had the Paul George trade not come along, Oladipo would have never reached his full ceiling playing next to Westbrook. Again, this may be a revolutionary concept, but hear me out. Both teams won the Paul George trade.

A few months later, the Thunder traded for Joffrey Lauvergne, giving up two future second round picks. At this point, the direction of the franchise had altered after knowing Durant was gone, but also knowing Westbrook was back for at least another year.

Lauvergne, was another low-risk high reward gamble. With Nick Collison in decline and Mitch McGary suspended, and eventually cut, the Thunder saw room to add another young big. 24- years-old at the time, Lauvergne averaged 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds in 50 games.

He was eventually traded along with Cam Payne and Anthony Morrow to Chicago for Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott. Again, it was a low risk high-reward deal that ultimately didn’t work out. At least they netted some value in return.