Sam Presti constantly eyeing the future cost the OKC Thunder a championship in the present
By Alex Mcewen
Constantly looking to the future can ultimately force you into the hole in the present. That is what transpired with the OKC Thunder, thanks to Sam Presti.
During his entire OKC Thunder tenure, GM Sam Presti; has made some great moves and some flabbergasting transactions. One recently occurred when Presti selected rookie Darius Bazley nearly one month ago in the 2019 NBA Draft, but more on Bazley later. It’s often been said, “If you always look to the future, you’ll miss what’s right in front of you.”
That phrase perfectly describes how Presti has conducted this era of Thunder Basketball. Dating back to the James Harden trade in September 2012, sustainable success and focusing on the future is what the Thunder, led by Presti has preached.
The flaw in Presti’s logic is Oklahoma City during this window possessed, not one, not two, but three different core’s who could have produced a title. An injury here, a coaching change there, or adding different depth along the way could have re-written the Thunder’s history, but all these scenarios are simply hindsight. Dealing Paul George is the latest step in Presti’s obsession with looking ahead.
Many will tell you Oklahoma City had no choice they had to deal George. OKC did have a choice because PG had two guaranteed years left on his contract. In any workplace just because a request is made, that does not mean such wishes are fulfilled.
Perhaps, Presti obliged PG’s request to further display player empowerment. Signaling to other big names you can come here, re-sign, then if they decide they want out they don’t have to jump through hoops, in Oklahoma City we will happily move you.