Sam Presti constantly eyeing the future cost the OKC Thunder a championship in the present
By Alex Mcewen
Do not fall into the trap of believing Russell Westbrook was responsible for PG’s trade request when one year ago Russ was the one who convinced George to stay, because he wanted to play with him for the duration of his career. Hypothetically, if Westbrook was the reason George wanted out, why would PG go on Twitter and defend his former teammate?
https://twitter.com/Yg_Trece/status/1147417137180319744?s=20
Westbrook did not change his game, what did change is the Thunder’s approach, they were actively trying to dump salary, and they selected Bazley in the draft who is not ready to help the team win. Hence, he was not a win now selection. Again, pointing to Presti’s obsession with the potential of the future.
I cannot help, but believe the Bazley selection was the breaking point to push George over the top and request out of Oklahoma City. Shifting away from where it broke down with Paul, let’s examine some of the best player’s Presti has traded or lost.
Players Presti let slip away
- James Harden
- Kevin Durant
- Serge Ibaka
- Victor Oladipo
- Paul George
Russell Westbrook could soon join this list as well according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski
Looking at the above list, of players who departed Oklahoma City for one reason or another, it is flat out baffling why Sam Presti still has a job, considering the OKC Thunder did not win a title when they have possessed so much talent over the last decade. As a team, all they accomplished was a single Western Conference Championship and a lone Finals victory.
Depending on what storyline you go by, Kevin Durant left the Thunder because he was fed up with Billy Donovan and Presti, Stephen A Smith recently reiterated such. It appears George has now done the same.