Tag: Sam Presti

Sam Presti explains why now was the right time to add Vasilije Micic

“I just think it kind of lined up and made sense.”

The Oklahoma City Thunder threw a curveball to their fans this offseason with the addition of Vasilije Micic.

After years of teasing, Micic finally made the jump to the NBA when he signed a three-year deal with the Thunder. OKC acquired his draft rights in a 2020 trade with the Philadelphia 76ers headlined by Al Horford.

The former EuroLeague MVP established himself as one of the best international players since being drafted late in the second round in 2014. The 29-year-old is a highly decorated guard who has won the EuroLeague championship twice (2021, 2022).

When asked about why the move happened now instead of previous offseasons, Thunder general manager Sam Presti spoke about how the timing worked out this time around, which wasn’t always the case as Micic had other obligations and goals.

“This is one thing about personnel decisions in the NBA. You don’t get to choose when things happen. In another point in time, in a hypothetical situation, oh, we’d really like to have this type of player to complement the team. Like we don’t just get to go pick that player off the other team. Because if we really want them, the other team really wants them too and they have value. Just because you have a specific want at a given time and you might know there’s a player that fits, the other people have to participate.

In his case, he had a contract overseas. He had goals, I think, personal goals and team goals to try to achieve overseas. We always had pretty good communication, and there was one year where there was no out in the contract.

I just think it kind of lined up and made sense.

But there’s just all these different factors. Like I always say, everything is kind of always moving. Nothing stands still. To get a trade done or a signing done, so many things have to fall into place, and in this case, a lot of things kind of just fell into place and it made sense.

As far as his game goes, I think everybody knows the NBA is very, very favorable to skill players that know how to play, that are really good with the ball and can anticipate how to serve the game.

He has a lot of that.

Now, how will that translate? I can’t give you that answer. I certainly know that we’re not going to see him play in the first 10, 20 games and go, we have our answer. It’s going to be something that he has to learn, we have to learn him. There’s no fixed mindset on what exactly he can do or can’t do.

It’s also relative to who he’s on the floor with, too.

You can have elite skills in some area, but you’re never going to have complementary skills to your elite skills. That comes from other people.

Team are really good when they’re very complementary. It’s not just like an assembly of talent. At some level it has to find its sea level together, and we’ll see if he has some good combinations with us.”

Micic enters his rookie season as the biggest wild card on the Thunder roster. He could be the sixth man, completely out of the rotation or anywhere in between by the end of the season.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Sam Presti provides update on Victor Oladipo’s future with the Thunder

“We’re huge fans of his. He’s got a great spirit, man.”

As it stands, the Oklahoma City Thunder need to make three subtractions from their 18-person roster before the season begins.

Following Thunder general manager Sam Presti’s 2023-24 preseason presser though, that number is more of a formality. During his media availability, he revealed Victor Oladipo will not attend training camp, and that they’ll make a decision on his contract sooner rather than later.

“The answer to that is he won’t be at camp, so we’ll have to make a decision on that contract. VO is great. He’s been through a lot. He’ll be back this season at some point, and I’m sure he’ll be playing with like a really good team at some point, but just with our roster situation, we just can’t prioritize that right now.

We’re huge fans of his. He’s got a great spirit, man, and no one can battle through the things that he’s battled through unless you have that kind of spirit and optimism in addition to being an extremely talented guy. He’ll be back, and I think he’ll be helping someone. Just the alignment for us doesn’t make sense right now.”

The Thunder acquired Oladipo and draft picks from the Miami Heat for a trade exception in late June.

Oladipo has an expiring salary and is owed $9.5 million this season. The 31-year-old suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee on April 23. The injury will likely cost him most — if not all — of the upcoming season.

Perhaps in previous seasons, the Thunder would’ve tried to rehabilitate Oladipo’s value to flip him for draft picks, but they no longer have that luxury due to the amount of young talent on the roster.

Once he’s no longer on the Thunder roster, Oladipo will likely stay a free agent as he tries to return from the gruesome late April injury. Perhaps if he’s cleared to return before the season ends, he’ll get signed as a flyer for a contender.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti comments on potential new arena

“I do really applaud Mayor Holt’s vision, because I think his vision is not necessarily a vision of the Thunder, it’s a vision for Oklahoma City.”

The biggest offseason storyline surrounding the Oklahoma City Thunder has happened off the court.

After initially bringing up the need for a new arena last summer, OKC Mayor David Holt accelerated the process this offseason when he announced a fully-detailed proposal and a funding plan that will basically be put to city voters on Dec. 12.

In his 2023-24 preseason media conference, Thunder general manager Sam Prestipresti officially talked about the arena proposal for the first time since it was announced.

Being essentially the face of the franchise since the Thunder relocated in 2008, Presti is often linked with the organization through the public eye.

In his comments, Presti applauded the collaborative effort between the Thunder ownership and OKC to get a new arena built to secure the long-term future of the franchise.

“Again, like one thing that I’m — first of all, I’m biased. I can’t hide that. So I don’t even know that my opinion is like that valid in this case.

I would say this: It’s like a political component — it’s a political issue. I’m not a politician. I don’t want to say anything that could be misinterpreted because I’m out of my depth on that kind of stuff, and I’m happy to admit it.

Warren Buffett says we have a circle of competence. This is very far outside my circle of competence.

Other than to say that I think the history of the city and the team working together is a very unique one, and I do really applaud Mayor Holt’s vision, because I think his vision is not necessarily a vision of the Thunder, it’s a vision for Oklahoma City, and I think like the way he’s expressed that in a very proactive way, I think he’s done a good job of articulating that.

But I’m also a huge believer that everyone’s voice matters, and the people will vote on this, and that’s the way it should be, and there should be discourse because I think that’s healthy.

We live in a world where if somebody has a different opinion than you, you tend to just assume that you disagree with them on everything and that they’re wrong. In reality, the discourse is what makes things healthy, but ultimately it will be decided by the community, and I think they’ve done that for years here. It’s how they’ve built the city, and they’ll do it again.

Obviously we’ll see where that lands us.”

The negotiation process between OKC and Thunder ownership on a new arena puts Presti in a tough position because he only deals with the basketball operations, but he gave a great answer for a delicate situation.

If voters approve their part of the funding plan in December, it will mark a significant milestone that secures the new arena scheduled to open by the 2029-30 season.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Recap: OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti’s 2023-24 preseason press conference

Recapping Sam Presti’s 2023-24 pre-season press conference:

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti spoke with the media on Wednesday for his 2023-24 preseason press conference.

The event marks the beginning of the new season. Media day will be held in less than a week, and preseason basketball kicks off in less than two weeks.

During the nearly two-hour media availability, Presti talked about a wide range of topics that ranged from updating fans on Chet Holmgren’s progress to giving his official comments on a new potential arena.

Let’s recap the presser with some of the biggest quotes and paraphrases Presti provided during his time with the media. More stories about the event will be published in the ensuing days.

OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti to hold 2023-24 preseason media conference

Thunder GM Sam Presti will meet with media to hold his annual pre-season media availability.

The Oklahoma City Thunder will host its media day in less than a week. Before then, general manager Sam Presti will talk to the media in preparation for the 2023-24 season.

Presti plans to conduct his preseason media conference on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 10 a.m. CT, the team officially announced.

The Thunder enters the season as a playoff contender due to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise to superstardom. After an overachieving 40-42 record last season, the Thunder look to make their first playoff appearance since 2020.

Presti will be asked his thoughts on a variety of topics, the biggest being his comments on the new arena proposal that has recently picked up steam.

The Thunder will open their preseason campaign on Monday, Oct. 9, against the San Antonio Spurs. The regular-season opener will be on Wednesday, Oct. 25, against the Chicago Bulls.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Sam Presti explains why Thunder traded up with Mavericks to draft Cason Wallace

“Our philosophy has always been, try to get as high as you can.”

The Oklahoma City Thunder made one of the biggest splashes of the 2023 NBA draft when they traded up two spots with the Dallas Mavericks.

The Thunder sent their No. 12 pick and a $17 million trade exception to the Mavericks in exchange for the No. 10 pick, which turned out to be Cason Wallace, and Davis Bertans.

The trade allowed the Thunder to secure Wallace by essentially buying a two-spot jump. Bertans is potentially owed $33 million over the next two seasons. Meanwhile, the Mavericks used the No. 12 pick to select Dereck Lively II.

Thunder general manager Sam Presti spoke about the decision to make the trade with the Mavericks in the rookie introductory press conference. He cited how they always think about trading up:

“Our philosophy has always been, try to get as high as you can, and it’s really hard to do that. We are always thinking about how to pick as high as you can. This was I think an opportunity for us that made sense for both teams in a lot of different ways, and Nico Harris and I have been talking about it for, I don’t know, I’m going to say probably about a week, it really started to become more of a topic. We touched base on it every day. We didn’t know if it would happen or it wouldn’t.

“But the way things shook out it, worked out great for us. We were able to accomplish our goals, which obviously moving up to get Cason, and they were able to accomplish goals for their team.

“It was nothing more than daily communication, check-in, and the way the board goes, that really dictated the ability for them to feel like they can make that deal with us.”

It sounds like both teams got what they wanted from the deal — the Thunder secured Wallace by moving up and the Mavericks shredded salary from their expensive payroll and secured Lively II.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Sam Presti comments on Vasilije Micic as NBA speculation grows

Sam Presti spoke about Vasilije Micic following Saturday’s rookie press conference.

After two consecutive summers of teasing, it finally feels like we’ll get a definitive answer on Vasilije Micic’s NBA aspirations this offseason.

Momentum continues to build toward the 29-year-old finally making the NBA jump. Since being drafted in 2014, Micic has developed into one of the best international players. Still, a recent visit to OKC raised eyebrows.

The 2021 EuroLeague MVP met with the Thunder in a visit on June 19 — two days after Anadolu Efes’ season ended. This was the first time Micic met with the Thunder in person despite the team owning his draft rights for more than two years.

On Saturday, Micic’s interest level escalated. Following the rookie introductory press conference, Thunder general manager Sam Presti spoke about Micic’s visit and the possibility of him signing with OKC.

“I don’t really have anything specific I can get into right now. He was obviously here, which is great because it’s been something we wanted — to have him on site at some point — but he’s such an accomplished player. He’s always playing in a tournament or a national team or deep into the summer, but it was great,” Presti told reporters following the presser. “We know him very well. He’s got a great relationship with our organization. But it was really nice to spend some time with him while he was on our soil and it was great. But I couldn’t tell you exactly what that means as of yet.”

Later in the day, Efes general manager Alper Yilmaz also confirmed Micic’s genuine desire to join the NBA.

“We are following the developments after yesterday’s draft. Micic really wants to go to the NBA,” Yilmaz said. “He has an option on his contract until July 20. I don’t know if he will make another request. We are waiting for Micic for now.”

Sportal’s Christos Tsaltas also confirmed Micic’s aspiration to join the NBA this offseason, stating he believes the 29-year-old is willing to come down on his previous expectations of a guaranteed rotation spot with a championship contender.

Considering Micic’s history of using the NBA as leverage in contract negotiations, it’s hard to fully believe this until it actually happens — but it feels more real now than ever. However, him joining the NBA and joining the Thunder are two separate conversations.

It’s unknown what Micic’s interest levels are when it comes to playing for the Thunder, but his visit to OKC and his relationship with the front office seem like positive signs.

The roster fit is a different question though. At 29 years old, Micic seems too old for this current Thunder timeline. There’s no question he’d immediately be one of the Thunder’s best players, but is his immediate production worth sacrificing the development of some of the other players on the roster?

Nonetheless, if Micic is truly ready to join the NBA, he will more than likely get his wish granted. If the Thunder deems the fit too difficult, then trade interest should materialize. The 29-year-old is one of the most decorative players in the entire world not currently in the NBA. He could immediately contribute to a contender.

There still’s plenty of uncertainty surrounding Micic, but it’s quite evident we’re reaching a fork in the road when it comes to him ever playing in the NBA after being drafted 52nd overall in the second round of the 2014 draft.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

OKC Thunder 2023 rookie intro press conference: Biggest takeaways

Recapping Cason Wallace’s and Keyontae Johnson’s introductory press conference:

The Oklahoma City Thunder held their rookie introductory press conference on Saturday as rookies Cason Wallace and Keyontae Johnson spoke to local media for the first time since being drafted.

The Thunder came away with the 2023 NBA draft with the pair of rookies at the No. 10 and No. 50 spots of the draft. The Thunder completed a draft-night trade with the Dallas Mavericks to move up two spots to select Wallace.

Thunder general manager Sam Presti also spoke in the press conference.

Afterward, scrums were held with the media by Presti, Wallace, Johnson and Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault — who was in attendance alongside owner Clay Bennett.

Let’s look at the biggest takeaways and quotes from the presser and the post-presser scrums.

Thunder GM Sam Presti comments on Will Dawkins’ departure to the Wizards

“I just couldn’t be more excited for him. I think it’s great and I think he’s going to do great.”

This year’s draft was a little different for the Oklahoma City Thunder. It was the first one in 15 years without front-office member Will Dawkins.

The Thunder lost Dawkins to the Washington Wizards earlier this month. They hired him as their new general manager. Dawkins is second in command behind former Thunder front office member Michael Winger, who was named the president of the Wizards.

The Wizards had quite the busy draft night. They traded up for the No. 7 pick and drafted Metropolitan forward Bilal Coulibaly, who was heavily linked to the Thunder in mock drafts.

In his post-draft press conference, Thunder general manager Sam Presti spoke about Dawkins and his departure, noting how proud he is of his former assistant working his way up to a GM job.

“Been with him for a really long time, so I’m super proud and excited for him and he’s going to do — he’s already off to a great start obviously. To be with Michael (Winger) and just to have those two guys working together, it’s surreal.

“I’m super grateful because I know myself personally, like I’ve been so blessed over the time I’ve been here to work with people like that, to have had Will for that long, I was the beneficiary of that just like with Mike or any of the other guys. Now Acie (Law) has stepped right in and has done an incredible job this year.

“So we are a collection of individual people that are all kind of working towards a common goal and I want to believe that when people leave here and they go into bigger and better things that they feel like they did, you know, some of their best work of their lives. I just couldn’t be more excited for him. I think it’s great and I think he’s going to do great.”

Presti’s general manager tree continues to grow as Dawkins is added to the long list of Thunder front office members who have graduated to decision-making jobs for other teams throughout the league.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Thunder GM Sam Presti’s post-draft presser: Biggest takeaways

The biggest takeaways from Sam Presti’s & Acie Law’s post-draft presser:

The 2023 NBA draft is over, and the Oklahoma City Thunder added a pair of rookies to their roster.

After completing a trade with the Dallas Mavericks, the Thunder acquired Kentucky guard Cason Wallace with the No. 10 pick of the first round. The Thunder added Kansas State forward Keyontae Johnson with the No. 50 pick of the second round.

Afterward, Thunder general manager Sam Presti held his post-draft press conference along with the Director of Amateur Evaluation Acie Law. Both spoke about the Thunder’s latest additions, as well as a wide variety of other topics.

Let’s look at the biggest quotes and takeaways from Presti’s late-night presser following the draft.