Sam Presti Pens Letter In Newspaper: Thunder Are 'Transitioning To A New Phase'

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Sam Presti Pens Letter In Newspaper: Thunder Are 'Transitioning To A New Phase' 

Post#1 » by RealGM Wiretap » Sun Jul 28, 2019 6:53 am

Sam Presti wrote an open letter published in The Oklahoman addressing the future of the Oklahoma City Thunder after trading Russell Westbrook.


Presti wrote of the team transitioning into a new phase while emphasizing their commitment to the city.


"This summer, the story of the Oklahoma City Thunder is transitioning to a new phase. Over the last few weeks, we have parted ways with foundational players — people who have represented our city to the world, who have sacrificed for us and flourished on our behalf. Although this has been painful, I also believe that — given the circumstances — it was necessary. In saying goodbye to the past, we have begun to chart our future. The next great Thunder team is out there somewhere, but it will take time to seize and discipline to ultimately sustain," wrote Presti.


Presti also addressed the difficulty of building a team in a small market. 


"Despite our city’s rapid rise and growth, Oklahoma City remains the second-smallest market in the NBA. While this brings many benefits, it also poses strategic challenges. Given the way the league’s system is designed, small market teams operate with significant disadvantages. There is no reason to pretend otherwise. This in no way means we cannot be extraordinarily successful — we, and several other small to mid-market teams, are our own best examples of the ability to overcome these realities," added Presti. 

Via Sam Presti/The Oklahoman

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Re: Sam Presti Pens Letter In Newspaper: Thunder Are 'Transitioning To A New Phase' 

Post#2 » by wa7hnaussksjst » Sun Jul 28, 2019 1:13 pm

Make a transition to Seattle
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Re: Sam Presti Pens Letter In Newspaper: Thunder Are 'Transitioning To A New Phase' 

Post#3 » by the_process » Sun Jul 28, 2019 2:48 pm

Outright_awful wrote:Make a transition to Seattle


Never should have left.
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Re: Sam Presti Pens Letter In Newspaper: Thunder Are 'Transitioning To A New Phase' 

Post#4 » by kuclas » Sun Jul 28, 2019 3:21 pm

Someone needs to tell Sam nba changed the tanking lottery rules. The chances of picking in top 4 3 years in a row are slim these days.
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Re: Sam Presti Pens Letter In Newspaper: Thunder Are 'Transitioning To A New Phase' 

Post#5 » by TMU » Sun Jul 28, 2019 4:25 pm

Presti is an honorable man.
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Re: Sam Presti Pens Letter In Newspaper: Thunder Are 'Transitioning To A New Phase' 

Post#6 » by Morse Code » Sun Jul 28, 2019 5:08 pm

kuclas wrote:Someone needs to tell Sam nba changed the tanking lottery rules. The chances of picking in top 4 3 years in a row are slim these days.

Someone needs to tell you that he's one of the most successful GM's in the NBA, and you're an armchair gm.
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Re: Sam Presti Pens Letter In Newspaper: Thunder Are 'Transitioning To A New Phase' 

Post#7 » by oaktownwarriors87 » Sun Jul 28, 2019 5:30 pm

kuclas wrote:Someone needs to tell Sam nba changed the tanking lottery rules. The chances of picking in top 4 3 years in a row are slim these days.


That's actually a really good idea. I've never heard that before.

Maybe they should just eliminate back to back top 4 picks. Waaay less insensitive to take (long term).
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Re: Sam Presti Pens Letter In Newspaper: Thunder Are 'Transitioning To A New Phase' 

Post#8 » by kuclas » Sun Jul 28, 2019 7:02 pm

Morse Code wrote:
kuclas wrote:Someone needs to tell Sam nba changed the tanking lottery rules. The chances of picking in top 4 3 years in a row are slim these days.

Someone needs to tell you that he's one of the most successful GM's in the NBA, and you're an armchair gm.


How is his successful. Do tell me. He hasn’t drafted that well. Once the talent pool dries up in the top 5 of the draft. It’s slim pickings.

Though I agree with him it’s hard to succeed in a small market. So u got to tank to get the high picks.
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Re: Sam Presti Pens Letter In Newspaper: Thunder Are 'Transitioning To A New Phase' 

Post#9 » by NoZoLakers » Mon Jul 29, 2019 2:46 pm

there's gona be multiple "transitioning phase's" so long as okc has that same stingy ass owner who doesn't want/like paying luxury tax....
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Re: Sam Presti Pens Letter In Newspaper: Thunder Are 'Transitioning To A New Phase' 

Post#10 » by likashing » Mon Jul 29, 2019 3:51 pm

They are finally moving?
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Re: Sam Presti Pens Letter In Newspaper: Thunder Are 'Transitioning To A New Phase' 

Post#11 » by LAKESHOW » Mon Jul 29, 2019 4:15 pm

This dude and Pop are literally trying to give away championships and wreck the league. The raps got one. Dude is trying to hand one to the clips. Trys to hand one to the rockets. Within his own conference like an idiot. And the rumor swirling about giving a chip to miami. Theyve had 3 MVPs and one an almost MVP, and theyve all walked or were traded or unable to retain. He is literally a joke. Now he writes a letter to truly and actually say, im sorry, I Fd up.
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Re: Sam Presti Pens Letter In Newspaper: Thunder Are 'Transitioning To A New Phase' 

Post#12 » by Jazzing » Mon Jul 29, 2019 7:55 pm

This will take time and involve hard choices. There will always be the temptation to take shortcuts, to look for quick fixes, and to reach out for instant gratification.


Shortcuts - Kevin Durant
Quick Fixes - Paul George
Instant Gratification - Russel Westbrook

Presti is mad.

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