Could Sam Presti be the OKC Thunder's Next Hall-of-Famer?
Gaining admission to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is a feat that not many individuals can claim to have earned.
But while it's the highest honor to be earned in a professional basketball career, it's not completely exclusive. Currently, every NBA franchise is represented in the prestigious group, though some teams have more representation than others.
The Oklahoma City Thunder may not have the most players in the Hall of Fame, but they also don't round out a list of all 30 teams. As of 2023, Oklahoma City has 10 players inducted into Naismith — and some who have yet to retire, like Russell Westbrook, who will likely be joining that list upon retirement.
But among current Thunder personnel, who is likely to join the list next?
CBS Sports recently took a look at all 30 franchises in the NBA and determined who would "likely" be the next candidate for Hall-of-Fame induction, and for Oklahoma City, that individual was none other than general manager Sam Presti.
"It's very difficult for a front office executive to make the Hall of Fame," the site wrote. "Former Bulls exec Jerry Krause is the most recent example of a general manager making it in, but they are few and far between."
Added CBS: "That being said, Presti has set up the Thunder to be a very special franchise, and it's largely due to his vision and execution."
To the site's point, not many general managers are known too well among NBA fans. If you asked someone at random who the general manager of any given team was, chances are they wouldn't be able to name them. Presti may be exception, however.
Over the last few years, Oklahoma City has gathered 35 draft picks — 15 being first-rounders — for the next seven seasons. A combination of roster moves and scouting has the Thunder sitting atop the list of total draft picks in the forseeable future, and atop the Google search suggestions after typing just "How many picks do."
"[Presti has] led the way in the recent trend of asset collection and trading stars at the peak of their value," CBS wrote. "So he could truly be perceived as a historic influence, particularly if he ends up winning a title or two."
If the Thunder does end up with a championship, Presti will have played a large role in its effort. Roster-wise, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will have as well, which was duly noted by CBS, which have him an honorable mention nod behind Presti.
Either way, between Gilgeous-Alexander – who serves as the epitome of Oklahoma City's young talent — and Presti's managerial prowess, the Thunder sit in a favorable position this season as it looks to climb to the top of the Western Conference.
And when all-said-and-done, if Presti does end up among the other greats of Naismith, it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.
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