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5 things the OKC Thunder can learn from ‘The Last Dance’

By Tamberlyn Richardson

OKC Thunder From left, Toni Kukoc, Ron Harper, Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen, and Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson as they celebrate the Bulls third straight title and sixth in eight years. (Photo credit should read PETER PAWINSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
OKC Thunder From left, Toni Kukoc, Ron Harper, Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen, and Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson as they celebrate the Bulls third straight title and sixth in eight years. (Photo credit should read PETER PAWINSKI/AFP via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti speaks with media (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE viaGetty Images) /

Management, Ownership set the primary example:

In the initial two episodes, a great deal of time was spent recalling how the Bulls entered the 1997-98 season. Scottie Pippen who was severely underpaid for his talent wasn’t even the second-highest player paid on the team (he was the sixth and 122nd in the league) earning a paltry $2.77 million that season.

Pippen paid back the Bulls by postponing surgery in the offseason to enjoy his summer and send a message to the two Jerry’s –  General Manager, Krause, and owner Reinsdorf.

Pippen’s decision sparked Jordan to say “it was selfish”. Although MJ was earning over $30M that season, he was the one player who had a right to say that given he was the best player in the association and was also underpaid for years.

Krause also infamously told head coach, Phil Jackson, he didn’t care if the Bulls went 82-0 he would not be coming back the following season.

That type of thing would never be tolerated or attempted in this era. For one thing, the players have all the power in this generation. In addition, management would be under fire immediately.

A perfect example is what happened in Philadelphia when ownership initially talked of forcing arena and team employees to take a 20 percent pay reduction due to the pandemic. The backlash was so abrupt and severe on social media the 76ers backtracked stating they made a mistake and would pay the 1500 employees affected in full.

For the OKC Thunder consistency begins at the top with owner Clay Bennett along with Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti. The culture and identity of the team are directly tied to the example they set. In many ways, the Thunder operates with big market professionalism tweaked with small market benefits of being in Oklahoma City.

While Presti can be questioned regarding his Harden trade and a few later round draft picks he’s considered among the best at his position and unlike some of his counterparts is willing to learn from his mistakes.

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