OKLAHOMA – After years of reshaping rosters and acquiring elite talent, Sam Presti finally received the recognition he long deserved. The Oklahoma City Thunder executive claimed the 2024-25 NBA Executive of the Year award. For many, the win felt overdue. Presti, now in his 18th season with the franchise, has long been seen as a visionary leader. He previously finished as runner-up for the award three times but never captured the top honor—until now. This season, Presti guided the Thunder to an astonishing 68–14 record. That mark led the league and tied for the sixth-best regular season in NBA history. Oklahoma City also broke the NBA record for point differential, outscoring opponents by an average of 12.9 points per game. With these achievements, it’s clear why Sam Presti won the Executive of the Year award.
Why Sam Presti’s Executive Of The Year Award Is Long Overdue
Mastermind Behind a New Contender
Presti’s work in 2024-25 proved why so many front offices admire his approach. His acquisitions last offseason—guard Alex Caruso and center Isaiah Hartenstein—solidified the team’s elite defense. Caruso, a two-time NBA All-Defensive selection, continued to hound opposing guards. He chipped in 7.1 points and 1.61 steals per game, helping the Thunder post the league’s top defensive rating (106.6).
Hartenstein, signed away from the New York Knicks, posted career highs in points (11.2), rebounds (10.7), and assists (3.8). His toughness and skill elevated Oklahoma City’s frontcourt. These shrewd moves underscore why Sam Presti’s Executive of the Year win resonates with fans and insiders alike.
The Foundation Laid Years Ago
Though Presti earned the 2024-25 honor, his path to this award began long ago. When Kawhi Leonard lured Paul George to Los Angeles in 2019, Presti pivoted. He traded George to the Clippers for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a treasure trove of picks. That decision—questioned by some at the time—has aged beautifully.
Gilgeous-Alexander blossomed into a superstar, finishing second in MVP voting in 2024. He’s in another MVP debate this season. Presti used those picks to draft key players like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. Together, they formed a young, title-ready core that reflects Presti’s patience and foresight.
Building Around Durant, Westbrook, and Harden
This isn’t the first time Presti assembled a championship-caliber roster. Earlier in his career, he drafted Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden in consecutive years. That trio carried the Thunder to the NBA Finals in 2012. Though they didn’t win a title, Presti’s bold drafting gave Oklahoma City one of the most talented young cores in league history.
Each pick showcased his eye for talent and his willingness to bet on potential. Even after Harden’s trade and Durant’s departure, Presti continued adapting. His ability to rebuild without tanking deeply earned him widespread respect. That legacy of innovation supports the argument for Sam Presti as Executive of the Year—not just for 2025, but as a lifetime achievement.
Widely Recognized Excellence
Presti’s peers have long acknowledged his brilliance. In December, The Athletic surveyed dozens of executives across the NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB. When asked which executive did the best job in their sport, Presti and the Thunder topped the list. That speaks volumes. It also affirms that the 2024-25 Executive of the Year award merely formalizes what insiders have believed for years.
The voting, conducted by one executive from each NBA team, gave Presti ten first-place votes. He edged out Cleveland’s Koby Altman and Detroit’s Trajan Langdon, who each earned six. Rob Pelinka also received a first-place vote for his midseason acquisition of Luka Dončić.
Sam Presti’s Executive of the Year Rewards Eighteen Years of Impact
Presti began his career in San Antonio, where he rose from video intern to assistant general manager. In 2007, the Thunder—then in Seattle—hired him as general manager. Since then, he has guided the franchise through relocations, trades, and rebuilds. His consistency stands out in a league full of short-term thinking.
With the Thunder once again a top contender, Presti’s legacy grows stronger. His ability to spot value, develop stars, and execute long-term plans makes him a standout.
The Last Word
Sam Presti waited nearly two decades to claim NBA Executive of the Year. His patience, precision, and planning finally received their due. As the Thunder continue their rise, one thing is clear: Presti’s vision continues to shape the NBA’s future. And now, with the award in hand, his status as one of the league’s best executives is beyond dispute.
© SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK
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