OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti’s 2013 NBA draft obsession
Presti banks on 2013:
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It’s crazy to think that the 2013 NBA draft, thought to be one of the poorest in history, is now a nucleus of the Thunder’s roster this year. It just goes to show that so much of a prospect’s success depends on where he is drafted and the culture around him.
The OKC Thunder has one of, if not the best organizations in terms of nurturing players and developing success. Sam Presti is at the front of this and derives tremendous amounts of praise for his willingness to take in and rehab the careers of players with troubled past.
The Thunder’s 2019 season will heavily depend on how well members of this draft class produce. Steven Adams needs to take another step forward, specifically on offense. Andre Roberson needs to return to his pre-injury form.
Abrines needs to become the three-point threat he was touted to be coming into the league, while also improving on defense. Finally, Noel and Schröder need to show they are committed to rehabbing their images and produce on a team with big aspirations.
If most or all of these things happen, the Thunder could position themselves for a Western Conference Finals run and maybe, just maybe, be in a position to knock off Golden State.
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If not, the Thunder could be headed for another first-round exit where questions about the state of the franchise will reemerge.