Presti Needs To Be Cautious In Decision-Making Process

The popular assumption in the midst of the Scott Brooks firing is Thunder general manager Sam Presti wouldn't dare make a move without at least consulting Kevin Durant.

But a report from USA Today's Sam Amick indicates that's exactly what has happened; that Presti fired Brooks without consulting his star player—or any other player for that matter. Amick also appeared on Oklahoma City sports radio Wednesday afternoon to discuss his piece.

Let's be clear. There's no way to know for sure how Durant feel about Brooks as a coach. He has spoken glowingly of Brooks in the past, seemingly an indication of what he thinks of him as a person and even as a friend. Durant even wept while talking about Brooks during his MVP speech a year, telling Brooks he loved him multiple times.

This is a fascinating time for the Thunder franchise. Durant's free agency looms next summer and Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka's the summer after that. With the faces of the franchise possibly heading out the door, it would appear to be wise to cater to their desires.

However, perhaps Presti is trying to take a stand and show no single player is bigger than the franchise. No player should ever be able to hold a franchise hostage, especially if they're demands are self-serving and hinder the franchise's ability to win down the road after they're gone.

But Durant has shown over the years he's a very “team-first” guy. His character also makes it unlikely that's an approach he would take down the line.

Plus, is it a wise time to be showing everyone who's boss? Re-signing Durant is the No. 1 priority for Oklahoma City right now, and if the Thunder wants to keep him around, getting (or keeping) a coach he respects and likes would probably be a good starting spot.

Should Durant run the Thunder organization? Absolutely not, but don't act like Kobe Bryant doesn't have plenty of say in Los Angeles or Michael Jordan didn't have a say in Chicago. Their opinions were absolutely influential when team executives were pondering tough decisions.

Granted, there's a big difference in talking to Durant about a decision that will be made and getting his approval or wisdom on a decision that could be made. I have no doubt Presti informed Durant before he actually fired Brooks, but whether or not he sought Durant's advice or preferences will probably remain under wraps.

In the words of Walter White, Presti should probably tread lightly right now and avoid a string of power trips that clash with his superstar and send him out the door at the end of next season. Save those for the beginning of the 2016-17 season—after Durant is locked up in OKC for five more years.