Thunderous Intentions
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Roundtable Sessions: Ranking OKC Thunder in key stats categories and the 16 playoff seeds

By Tamberlyn Richardson

OKC Thunder: Steven Adams #12, Terrance Ferguson #23, Dennis Schroder #17, Chris Paul #3, Danilo Gallinari #8, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 pose for a portrait during media day (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKC Thunder: Steven Adams #12, Terrance Ferguson #23, Dennis Schroder #17, Chris Paul #3, Danilo Gallinari #8, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 pose for a portrait during media day (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder Clayton Bennett (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Tamberlyn Richardson:

Yes. Something that likely gets underplayed is how adeptly Sam Presti functions in a very unique market. The OKC Thunder are the lone professional sports franchise in the market. The fact the OKC Thunder went to the playoffs in nine out of the franchise’s 11 seasons (all with Presti at the helm) is incredible. Consider the Timberwolves, Kings and other smaller markets for how rare this is.

I think his working relationship with ownership, respect from his peers and ability to develop a culture in a unique market is why his job is safe for as long as he wants it. I might not agree with some of his previous draft picks, but my only true beef with Presti is tied to coaching. Either the choices made or how long he sticks with them.

Rylan Stiles:

I think it has to be, I mean who else would you want to rebuild this franchise than a guy who has already done it to perfection once. While he didn’t win a championship, he put enough talent on the floor to and injuries and poor play derailed it which is out of his control.

Besides, who is out there that is better than him? If you somehow have an answer to that question, would they come to Oklahoma City? That one is a for sure no.

Chase Beal-Sharp:

Yes, because he showed that he is a great GM by leveraging trade offers against each other that he was receiving from the Clippers and the Raptors for Paul George. The Clippers were hesitant to trade Shai Gilgeous- Alexander, but Presti persuaded them to.

Aidan E:

Yes, it’s very uncommon to fire a GM who is in the process of starting a rebuild.

Matthew Hallet:

I would say that Presti is more secure than ever. He has made the trades he needed to make and put Donovan into the hot seat. He made the best of a bad situation.

Kevon Stewart:

I think it still is. Presti has made magic before. As an organization, I would still trust him.

Tyler Barger:

Yes. Sam Presti has bought himself some time and should be allowed to build the Oklahoma City Thunder back up to a championship contender

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