The Oklahoma City Thunder have established themselves as one of the most successful franchises in the NBA over the past two decades, largely due to the strategic decisions made by General Manager Sam Presti. His legacy was rooted in the pivotal 2008 NBA Draft, a foundational moment that led to the formation of multiple super teams and the crowning of three MVPs: Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and now Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Currently, the Thunder are enjoying the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander era, culminating in his recent MVP win after an impressive season where the team achieved a franchise-best record of 68-14. This marks the third MVP award for an OKC player in just over a decade, following in the footsteps of the two former stars.
Back in 2008, during Presti’s early tenure as GM and while still known as the Seattle Supersonics, he faced a critical decision with two first-round draft picks. Presti selected Russell Westbrook with the fourth overall pick and took a chance on Serge Ibaka with the 24th pick, who would later emerge as a crucial player in the franchise’s history.
From 2009 to 2016, the pairing of Durant, Westbrook, Ibaka, and third overall pick James Harden became the backbone of the Thunder, leading the team to many successes, including their initial appearance in the NBA Finals in 2012. Despite facing defeat, the core’s potential was clear, demonstrating a bright future for the franchise.
After a series of changes—including the departure of Durant and Westbrook—Presti skillfully navigated the transition period by acquiring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in a blockbuster trade for Paul George. This move, coupled with other strategic decisions, has allowed the Thunder to rebuild effectively, resulting in a strong competitive team that reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2016.
The future looks promising for the Oklahoma City Thunder, especially with the talents of Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams leading the charge. Presti’s vision and decision-making continue to bear fruit, ensuring that the Thunder remain a formidable force in the league, showcasing the lasting impact of the 2008 draft and Presti’s long-term strategy.
With Shai’s rise to stardom and the young core’s development, fans in Oklahoma City have much to look forward to in the upcoming seasons. The blend of experienced playoff performers like Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso, alongside emerging talent, adds to the team’s potential for future greatness.