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Sam Presti Wins Executive of the Year; Thunder’s Rise Acknowledged

Sam Presti, Oklahoma City Thunder, NBA Executive of the Year, 2024-25 NBA season, NBA Playoffs, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, NBA Draft Picks, Western Conference, NBA standings, Koby Altman, Trajan Langdon, NBA, basketball

Sam Presti Named NBA Executive of the Year After Thunder’s Stellar Season

Oklahoma City Thunder General Manager Sam Presti has been named the NBA Executive of the Year for the 2024-25 season, marking the culmination of a remarkable period of growth and success for the franchise. The announcement recognizes Presti’s strategic vision and skillful management, which have transformed the Thunder into a legitimate championship contender after several seasons of rebuilding.

The award comes after the Thunder’s outstanding regular season performance, where they secured the league’s best record at 68-14. The team’s dominance was highlighted by a record-breaking scoring differential, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive prowess. Presti’s masterful roster construction played a crucial role in the Thunder’s success, solidifying his reputation as one of the NBA’s most astute talent evaluators and deal-makers.

This is Presti’s first Executive of the Year award, an honor that has eluded him despite previous recognition. He had finished as a runner-up three times before, including last season when the Thunder also earned the Western Conference’s top seed. This year’s victory underscores the magnitude of the Thunder’s achievements and Presti’s impact on the team’s ascension.

Presti’s success in 2024-25 can be attributed to several key acquisitions and strategic decisions. The addition of free agent center Isaiah Hartenstein provided the Thunder with valuable size and rebounding, addressing a need in their frontcourt. Furthermore, the trade of former lottery pick Josh Giddey for defensive specialist Alex Caruso proved to be a pivotal move, enhancing the team’s perimeter defense and overall tenacity.

These moves complemented the development of the Thunder’s core players, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Gilgeous-Alexander’s exceptional scoring ability and playmaking skills have made him one of the league’s most dynamic players. In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander, Presti has assembled a talented group of homegrown draft picks, including Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Cason Wallace. Holmgren’s versatility and two-way potential, Williams’ scoring prowess and Holmgren’s defensive capabilities have significantly contributed to the Thunder’s success. Wallace, in his rookie season, has shown promise as a reliable defender and playmaker, adding depth to the Thunder’s roster.

Presti’s tenure as Thunder general manager, which began in 2007, has been marked by a patient and calculated approach to team building. He has consistently demonstrated a willingness to make difficult decisions, including trading established players for future assets. These moves have positioned the Thunder for long-term success, as evidenced by their impressive collection of future draft picks.

The Thunder currently possess at least seven first-round picks over the next three years, providing them with ample opportunities to add more talent to their roster or make strategic trades. Presti’s ability to accumulate and leverage draft assets has been a cornerstone of his success, allowing the Thunder to continuously improve their team while maintaining financial flexibility.

The announcement of Presti’s Executive of the Year award came shortly after the Thunder’s Game 1 loss to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals. Despite the setback, the Thunder remain the favorites to win the 2025 NBA championship, according to many analysts. Their confidence stems from the team’s impressive regular season performance, their talented roster, and Presti’s proven ability to make the right moves.

The voting process for the Executive of the Year award involved a panel of one executive from each NBA team. Presti received the most first-place votes (10) and appeared on 22 of the 30 overall ballots, accumulating a total of 74 points. Each candidate received five points for a first-place vote, three points for a second-place vote, and one point for a third-place vote.

Cleveland Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman finished as the runner-up in the voting with six first-place votes and 52 points overall. Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon also received six first-place votes and finished in third place.

Presti’s selection as Executive of the Year is a testament to his leadership, vision, and ability to build a championship-caliber team. The Thunder’s remarkable turnaround under his guidance has been one of the most compelling stories in the NBA in recent years. The future looks bright for the Thunder, as they continue to pursue their goal of winning an NBA championship with Presti at the helm.

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