Sam Presti holds the unique distinction of being the only NBA executive to draft three future MVPs in three consecutive drafts, a feat that required a combination of luck, risk-taking, and foresight. This achievement set the stage for the success of the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team that was moving from Seattle and needed star power to thrive in a small market. Presti’s selections of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden in the mid-2000s paved the way for short-term success, with each player going on to win MVP awards and earn numerous accolades.
Despite this early success, Presti’s draft record has been less impressive in recent years. Since 2009, he has struggled to find players who have achieved All-Star or All-NBA status, leading to criticism of his scouting abilities. While Durant, Westbrook, and Harden formed a formidable trio during their time together in OKC, the team failed to capture an NBA championship, highlighting Presti’s shortcomings in building a championship-caliber roster.
In the years following the departure of Harden, Presti’s draft picks have largely been disappointing. He has taken major swings in the draft, often opting for high-risk selections instead of more reliable complementary players. While there have been some hits, such as Steven Adams, there have also been significant misses, including Cameron Payne and Josh Giddey.
Presti’s draft-day trades have also been scrutinized, with several deals resulting in losses for the Thunder. Despite his success in building teams from the ground up, Presti’s recent draft record has raised questions about his ability to identify and develop talent. While he remains highly regarded for his early successes, the lack of recent achievements has cast a shadow over his reputation as a top executive in the NBA.
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