OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — As the Oklahoma City Thunder prepares for its 19th season, Thunder General Manager Sam Presti spoke to the media about what’s expected from this year’s squad.
Before Presti spoke about what was next for the team, he took time to honor the players who brought us to where we are.
“I want to recognize the contributions of Lu, Wiggs, and Isaiah. Those players were not just great players for us; they were tremendous professionals and also real assets to the community. Just great human beings. We are very grateful for their contributions and also want to wish them the best of luck in their new situations and know they’ll do great. Also want to take a moment to congratulate Russell on just an unbelievable career, Hall of Fame career. We’re very fortunate that a lot of those years took place in Oklahoma City,” Presti said. “Much has been talked about with respect to his on-court play, but I think his attitude, his mentality, those types of things, were huge boosts to our community. And I think we’re well-regarded in his involvement here today, still pretty remarkable.”
Presti said they don’t have a firm plan yet on how the Thunder plans to honor Russell Westbrook but added that they want to make sure it is done with great intention.
During the news conference, Presti hinted that Cason Wallace’s role will improve this next season.
“Cason is someone we think very highly of and has done a great job for us. And I think the greatest sign of respect we could have shown Cason is moving Lu in that trade. We could have potentially looked at a series of other options but it’s a bit of a gesture to him to say, ‘We think you can have a great role in this team. We believe in you as a player and we’re hopeful that all that can work out.'”
Presti said that although the Thunder’s season ended in a disappointing loss to the Spurs, he believes this team has the potential to be the best the Thunder has ever had.
“I think we have a great foundation. Like I said, we’re positioned exceptionally well. I think we’re going to have to resist the urge to try to optimize things. I think optimization with a team that’s in-progress, that’s growing, that has individuals growing. But I really think the team development- that’s one thing about our team last year. I said this at the end of the season. Most disappointed about the fact that with the injuries, we never really got to see, we saw really great individual development, but the team didn’t get to work on a lot of the things we were trying to get to after the Pacers’ series, quite frankly. I think the team last year had another level to it. I think we could’ve got to another level. But I think in due time, like I said earlier, this particular group of players, if we stay healthy, if it has time together, it has a chance to be as good if not better than any of the teams we’ve had,” he said.