Sam Presti’s entire tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder has been marked by quite a few major wins. But on Thursday, the franchise suffered one of its greatest losses in recent memory, even if you didn’t know who Troy Weaver was.
Weaver, it was reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, has agreed to terms with the Detroit Pistons on a four-year deal that will see him depart Oklahoma City for the coveted position of general manager.
Across the league, dozens of lower-level executives dream of one day earning such an opportunity, and after serving in the Thunder’s front office for about 10 years, Weaver has gotten that opportunity.
Shortly after Wojnarowski’s report, the Pistons officially announced Weaver’s hiring. In NBA circles, he is credited with having an eye for talent and has long been considered one of the members of the front office who have helped Oklahoma City unearth major gems in the draft over the years. Aside from Kevin Durant, players such as Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Serge Ibaka, Reggie Jackson and Steven Adams were selected by the franchise, and Weaver has received credit for helping the small market team build organically with those pieces.
The following quote is attributed to Pistons owner Tom Gores and comes via the team’s official press release announcing the hiring:
“Troy is an outstanding executive with an exceptional track record for identifying and developing talent… In talking with Troy, he’s got both the skill and temperament to lead, and the confidence and creativity to work collaboratively with others. We’re excited for him to take the reins as General Manager of the Pistons at this important moment. Ed and the team have done excellent work creating flexibility with our roster and establishing a clear direction. Troy comes aboard to help take us to the next level.”
The New York Times’ Marc Stein called Weaver the favorite to land the position early this week before news came out that Detroit was planning a few more interviews. It’s now obvious that Stein’s original report was indeed an accurate prediction.
In trading Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Jerami Grant, among others, Sam Presti has amassed a stockpile of draft picks that the franchise can use to rebuild over the coming years or package as currency in an attempt to trade for a superstar.
What’s for sure now, though, is that the Thunder have lost a man who is credited as being one of their top talent evaluators, and that loss couldn’t have come at a worse time.