OKC Thunder GM, Sam Presti post draft presser – sounding like ‘scared money’
Paul George surgery:
No surprises on the actual surgery or how it went. Again, Presti didn’t give many particulars but this is also in keeping with how the team tends to deal with all matters injury related. The positive is whatever the “true timetable” is George is on target including when the team expects him to return to workouts. He indicated no updates would be forthcoming until training camp.
Update on Andre Roberson:
Presti advised the team and Roberson Taken a conservative approach so he can progress slowly but safely. Is working out and training in Texas and the team is monitoring his progress.
Coaching staff situation:
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Leave it to Presti to provide his most definitive answer regarding the coaching situation. When asked about the mass exodus of the staff. Presti’s response made it clear Billy Donovan isn’t going anywhere. Specifically, the GM said he was comfortable with Billy D filling his staff needs and would be the primary on the matter.
Albeit, Donovan’s safety was already implied prior. But, whether it was wishful hopes of Presti’s season ending comments regarding the pair needing to reflect prior to downloading the takeaways from 2018-19. That left room for hope by some (raises hand) the coaches name wasn’t cemented but this closes that window.
As for the replacement staff situation, Presti said Donovan is talking to a lot of different people and being methodical in how he’ll fill out the staff and there is lots of time suggesting the window is still open until training camp to get everyone in place.
Whereas Presti doesn’t appear worried about the timelines I couldn’t disagree more in terms of the importance. With the OKC Thunder needing the youngsters to take big leaps this offseason, it behooves the club to have people in place sooner than later. Coaches need to be working with them to aid development, monitor progress while ensuring relationships and chemistry are established. Presti himself citing the need for existing assets to take strides speaks to the importance of this matter.
Although Presti implied the club is covered with enough staff the fact so many gaps are open it gives fully staffed squads an extra advantage. If Donovan takes the full window to fill the empty roles it equates to being behind all your opponents in these efforts.