Sam Presti press conference: Takeaways from the Thunder GM's postseason media availability

Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti held his postseason media availability on Monday following the team's NBA Finals win over the Indiana Pacers.

If you couldn't catch the press conference, here's some key takeaways:

Watch the entire press conference in the video player above

>>> Thunder's Jalen Williams to undergo surgery on injured wrist, GM Sam Presti confirms

The Pillars of Success

Presti emphasized that the team's triumph was a collective effort, attributing success to several crucial groups:

1. Ownership Group: Praised for their selflessness, lack of ego, and collaborative spirit, which set an example for the entire organization over 17 years.
2. Fans: Acknowledged for their unwavering and continuous support, especially during the last two months and at the celebratory parade, which Presti described as "beyond words."
3. Behind-the-Scenes Staff: Recognized the vast number of individuals, from chefs and laundry staff to data analysts and medical teams, whose tireless work ensures the team operates smoothly. He specifically lauded the medical and performance teams, Donnie Strack and Andrew Paul, for their exceptional management of player health, especially given that the full roster was available for only 8.5% of games.
4. Players: The team's deep relationships, appreciation for differences, and commitment to a common goal were central to their identity. Presti highlighted their "compassion," "cowboy toughness," "self-reliance," and "essential sense of goodness," seeing them as a reflection of Oklahoma's generational values. He also singled out Jalen Williams for his incredible mental endurance and self-security, playing two months with a wrist injury without ever making excuses.

A Unique Journey to a Championship

Presti framed the season as "Chapter 17," a culmination of all prior efforts and contributions, even from those no longer with the organization.

1. From Humble Beginnings: He reminisced about the team's arrival in 2008 with no name, logo, or practice facility, but an immediate connection to the community.
2. City's Foundation: Presti stressed that the team's existence is fundamentally tied to Oklahoma City and state leadership, specifically recognizing former Mayors Norrick and Cornett for their vision in rebuilding the city after the 1995 tragedy, which paved the way for an NBA team.
3. A "True Team": The Thunder's win wasn't just about being a "winning team," but a "true team" built on deep relationships, celebrating diverse backgrounds (Canada, Serbia, West Coast, East Coast, Middle America, France, Australia), and a collective goal.
4. Underdog Identity (and Nuance): While agreeing the team had underdogs with "unorthodox roots and paths," Presti strongly disagreed with the notion of Oklahoma being an "underdog state," asserting that "there's nothing missing here" and that the city didn't need a trophy for validation. He emphasized that the team's greatest legacy isn't the trophy, but how they won in a way the state could relate to.
5. Focus on Progress, Not Outcomes: The team consistently pursued "progress" rather than being consumed by "outcomes or adulation." This mindset, coupled with the "pace-setting" leadership of Mark Daigneault and his coaching staff, was crucial. Presti distinguished between "attached" and "connected" teams, stating the Thunder was "absolutely connected" through trust that transcended game results.
6. Parental Influence: He highlighted the role of players' families and mentors in instilling values of winning and helping others, which contributed to the team's collective success.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Success with Humility

Presti acknowledged the difficulty of repeating as champions, citing statistics about past winners' struggles.

1. Beating the Odds: He stated that "the odds are clearly stacked against us being here again next year," noting that only one of the last ten champions repeated, and 60% failed to get past the second round.
2. Guarding Against Complacency: Presti warned against "hubris" and "fatigue," and the "silent forces" that challenge successful teams. The team will need to "fight some human nature" by "stacking days" and focusing on "consistent organizational fundamentals," seeing players as people, and creating environments for learning, cohesion, and development.
3. Humility and Gratitude: A key takeaway is the importance of humility, recognizing the role of "chance and luck," and expressing gratitude for players, their families, ownership, staff, and the community.
4. Internal Focus: He reiterated that the team never discussed "external expectations," only "possibilities," and emphasized the importance of how they recover from adversity, like injuries.

Individual Player Updates and Reflections

1. Cason Wallace: Will play in Summer League.
2. Ousmane Dieng: Will not play in Summer League due to his return-to-performance phase and draft process travel.
3. Jalen Williams: Will undergo wrist surgery for a ligament tear sustained before the playoffs, but is expected to be available for the start of next regular season. Presti praised Williams's mental toughness for playing through the injury without making excuses.
4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA): Presti lauded SGA's "stepwise ascent" and "secure" mindset, noting his ability to clearly see his limitations and work on them without projecting them onto others.

Reflections on Pride, Legacy, and Personal Gratitude

Presti humbly declined to express "pride" in their unique "build" approach, instead seeing it as the most contextual path for their organization. He emphasized that the championship was a group accomplishment, not a personal validation. He expressed immense gratitude for the many people throughout his life who influenced him, from teachers and coaches to teammates and mentors, acknowledging that he "shouldn't be here" as a former Division III player.

He was particularly moved by the feeling of former players, coaches, and staff — even those who were only with the organization for a short time — feeling a part of the championship banner, epitomized by one person saying, "I'm not going to get a ring, but I'm a part of the banner." He highlighted the impact of Kendrick Perkins in transforming the team into a contender and raising the basketball acumen within the building.

Presti understood external narratives about the team being "too young," but stated the organization never saw it as disrespect, but rather as something to be earned. He believed the team's willingness to be "exceptional" and "unorthodox" in their approach allowed them to defy expectations.