Sam Presty took an unconventional approach to building Oklahoma City’s first NBA Championship team. Rather than making flashy trades or splurging in free agency, the Thunder’s general manager opted to replace the coach during the rebuild with a bigger name and focused on developing talent internally, supplemented by strategic additions. This method paid off as Oklahoma City secured titles with many of the same players and coach who had managed only 24 wins four years earlier.
The team showcased diversity, boasting players from Canada, Serbia, the West Coast, East Coast, Central America, France, and Australia, blending a spirit of toughness, independence, and goodwill. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named MVP for both the regular season and finals. Despite challenges like first-time All-Star Jalen Williams playing through a wrist injury, Chet Holmglen missing 50 games due to a pelvic injury, and the team experiencing significant injuries overall, the players embraced these hurdles as opportunities to shine. Presty emphasized that being exceptional requires a willingness to do extraordinary things and break the rules.
Coach Mark Daigneault’s story mirrors the team’s unconventional path to success; after coaching the G-League affiliate and struggling initially with less than 25 wins in his first two seasons, he led them to a championship. Presty highlighted Daigneault’s growth over the years and praised the team’s mental toughness, noting their ability to stay focused despite setbacks like losing crucial early games in both the Western Conference semifinals and NBA finals.
Key veterans like guard Alex Caruso, acquired through trade, and center Isaiah Hartenstein, added via free agency, played pivotal roles in the playoffs and helped Presty earn Executive of the Year honors. Presty credited the Thunder’s consistency for their success, even as their youthful core remains intact heading into the next season.
He also cautioned against complacency, noting that no team has successfully repeated a championship since Golden State’s back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018. “You have to keep your head down,” he said, stressing the importance of continued hard work and focus, supported by strong people, character, and programs ready to defend their title.
— Report by Associated Press
Fan Take: This achievement is a powerful reminder that building a championship team doesn’t always require star-studded trades or flashy moves, but rather strategic development and resilience. For basketball fans, the Thunder’s journey signals a refreshing shift towards teamwork and perseverance, promising a more exciting and diverse future for the sport.
