OKC Thunder: ‘Resiliency’ dominates Sam Presti 5 media takeaways

Only Gilgeous-Alexander is a lock to start:

As for lineups while Presti stated lineups will be fluid the one player he cited as being locked in his role is cornerstone Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. There weren’t specific questions asked about the Canadian and perhaps that’s because a full year into his tenure with OKC there is an understanding of what his role will be.

To that end, Presti did imply Shai will have increased responsibilities. Presumably, he’ll be expected to become the team’s leader as they grow and build toward future success.

With so many new players on the team and likely more to exit and enter the GM didn’t discuss many of the additions. This, partially due to restrictions based on trades not being able to be formalized until later this week.

He did touch on rookie Pokusevski (19:49) in terms of how the Thunder first became interested in him and touched on the opportunity he’ll have this season. He couldn’t discuss the other rookie, Theo Maledon as he is restricted from mentioning him. Likewise, he didn’t touch on Al Horford because the 76ers trade can’t be formalized until December 8th (due to aggregation restrictions on Danny Green).

He was asked about T.J. Leaf and Justin Jackson and didn’t offer much other than to reiterate his statement on everyone being afforded the opportunity this season.

If there was a hidden takeaway regarding the roster and lineups it’s clear Presti’s goal is to build a roster that is interchangeable with players capable of playing multiple positions. While the Thunder has been leaning in that direction in recent years the selection of Pokusevski and  Bazley offers tangible evidence that will be the objective moving forward.