NBA: OKC GM Seeks Understanding As Thunder Rebuilds

The Oklahoma City Thunder were hardly active during the early part of the NBA offseason with the focus on top free agents in the market. OKC only entered the picture when Kawhi Leonard decided to move to the Los Angeles Clippers where Paul George was surprisingly dealt with as well. And while it initially seemed that there was trouble brewing within the Thunder camp amongst its stars, Russell Westbrook would be dealt as well. In short, the Thunder decided to rebuild.

Critics may call it abrupt with most hardly getting an inkling of such a move. But seeing how the Thunder have failed to get beyond the first round of the NBA playoffs the last two seasons, it all somehow made sense. Now, Thunder general manager Sam Presti is aware that a lot of fans are unhappy and such is likely behind the reason why he penned a letter to fans via The Oklahoman.

There were hardly surprising words used by Presti in the letter although it was specified that it is a process the Thunder needed to do if they are build and sustain true excellence. The road ahead is expected to be tough with OKC likely to be one of the lowly teams for the 2019-20 NBA season.

“It will take us time, now, to reposition, replenish and then ultimately rebuild our team. Things will inevitably get harder from here. At some point during this transition, we may not have the kind of team you’ve been used to. But we will be fearless, focused, and relentless in seeking opportunities to improve our long-term position,” Presti explained in that penned message.

With the Thunder undergoing major overhaul, there are still some things that need to be addressed. One includes the case of Chris Paul, the player they got from the Houston Rockets in that Westbrook trade. Several teams have been linked as possible targets where the Thunder are likely to be interested in young stars with promise or future draft picks. Once that is settled, the Thunder may be far from the same team most know.

Time will only tell how long the Thunder will need to rebuild and come up with a competitive team. The upcoming NBA season may not be something worth looking forward to, meaning it may take at least a couple of years more. But the question there is, will Presti still be around once the Thunder are ready to roll into high gear once more.