3. Drafting Russell Westbrook
The Seattle SuperSonics won just 20 games in their final season but slipped two spots in the lottery to have the fourth overall pick. The Chicago Bulls jumped up to number one overall and took Derrick Rose. The Thunder wanted a ball-handler and playmaker as they moved to Oklahoma City, which made Westbrook the no-brainer selection at four.
There was some risk. Taking a point guard without a jumper can be problematic. Westbrook was a high-turnover player who needed the ball in his hands. The Thunder needed to hit on this pick and believed in his talent.
There were growing pains in year one as Oklahoma City won just 23 games, but Westbrook quickly became a superstar and an all-time great. He was an eight-time All-Star and MVP with the Thunder as the franchise missed the playoffs just twice in his 11 years.
Westbrook was the Thunder for years and stuck with the franchise after Kevin Durant and James Harden decided to leave. Presti tried to keep OKC in contention and traded Westbrook for a massive haul when it was no longer possible.
The Thunder’s general manager is the best drafter in the NBA, but his best selection was taking an inner-circle Hall of Famer when there was plenty of debate about which talent would have the superior career.