Sam Presti’s legacy in the NBA is a complicated one. On one hand, he is the only executive in NBA history to draft three future MVPs in three consecutive drafts. On the other hand, since those historic selections, he has struggled to find the same level of success in the draft. Presti’s ability to identify and draft Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden in the late 2000s was nothing short of remarkable. These three players went on to become not just MVPs, but also Top 75 Players in NBA history and surefire first-ballot Hall of Famers.
However, despite the individual success of Durant, Westbrook, and Harden, Presti was unable to bring a championship to the Oklahoma City Thunder during their time with the team. The Thunder reached the Finals only once, in 2012, where they were defeated by the Miami Heat. This lack of team success raises questions about Presti’s ability to build a championship-caliber team around his star players.
In the years following the departure of Durant, Westbrook, and Harden, Presti has struggled to find the same level of success in the draft. He has made a number of questionable picks, including players who have not lived up to expectations or who have quickly fallen out of the league. Presti’s track record in the draft lottery has been mixed, with some hits but also a number of misses.
In addition to his struggles in the draft, Presti has also made a number of questionable draft-day trades that have not worked out in the Thunder’s favor. These trades have often involved giving up valuable assets for players who have not panned out or who have been traded away shortly after being acquired.
Despite these struggles, Presti remains highly regarded in NBA circles for his ability to build teams from the ground up and make bold moves to improve his team’s chances of success. The trade for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, in particular, stands out as a major win for Presti and the Thunder.
In conclusion, while Sam Presti will always be remembered for his historic draft selections of Durant, Westbrook, and Harden, his struggles in the years following those picks raise questions about his ability to build a championship team. Presti’s track record in the draft and in trades has been mixed, with some successes but also a number of failures. As the Thunder continue their rebuild, Presti will need to make smart decisions to return the team to championship contention.
