Lessons Sam Presti can learn from counterparts in Thunder rebuild

Patience:

Each of the Bucks, 76ers, and Bulls have spent years mired in repeated trips to the lottery. Milwaukee and Philly both landed generational talents with the latter spending years in the Sam Hinkie ‘trust the process’ mode.

The funny part about the 76ers is while it seemed like the process was exceedingly long it was only five seasons they spent not making the playoffs.

Similarly, in the past decade, Milwaukee has been in the playoffs more than they haven’t (six out of ten years).

The Bulls played in 12 of the last 15 postseasons although they missed the last two but appear on the cusp of returning to prominence with wise draft picks and trades.

The takeaway from these clubs is to remember not every draft will be life altering but as the 76ers and Bucks both know luck can get you a generational star who’ll change a franchise’s future overnight (Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo).

Coby White could prove to be that player for the Bulls. At worst, he looks to be poised to be a solid prospect with a very high ceiling and with the likes of Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter Jr it provides Sam Presti with examples of how quickly a rebuilding team can return to prominence.