Presti is a master in communication. Every point he made in his press conference was like a free educational seminar. I feel lucky to have him here in okc.
I look forward to these every year. If you read between the lines, he always says more than your first impression.
I’ll hold any theoretical opinions and create space to hear from the community.
What were your thoughts?
by mistymtndude
2 Comments
He is the train master at [Conjunction Junction](https://youtu.be/4AyjKgz9tKg?si=c2ZDXeg0uKxqPs-E)
I think he was pretty clear and direct, a lot more than most GMs would be. I think what he said really boils down to the following:
* He expects internal improvement from the guys, especially guys like Ous, Dub, Cason, and Chet.
* He is thinking a lot about long term financial flexibility, but acknowledges that guys like Shai deserve to get paid and will.
* He is not opposed to looking for improvements externally, but they need to be pieces that fit the long term plan and are the right price. Just because they have assets does not mean they need to be used inefficiently.
* He doesn’t think the team has “arrived” yet and is trying to set proper expectations as he sees them.
* He regrets the Hayward trade didn’t lead to the outcome on the court he hoped for, but he’s still glad he made the move because it gave him financial and roster flexibility for the future.
* He wasn’t trash talking Hayward specifically (even if he deserved it), he was saying that he made that trade with a goal of Hayward having a larger role on this team and it didn’t work out. He also could be referring to how much the guys clearly missed Tre Mann.
* He plans to use that financial and roster flexibility this summer, even if it’s not on a big name piece.
* He isn’t going to rush things, because he doesn’t want to make a move that hinders the team in the long term.
My impressions based on all that?
* I wouldn’t be shocked to see another Bertans type trade (take on money for draft position or similar) because this is basically the last time they’ll have this flexibility. I know it’s not what people want to hear, but he’s focused on growing this core into a long term contender, and he’s only going to use assets in what he feels is an efficient manner. Basically – if he can’t find the right guy at the right price, he’s going to use the cap space for any asset he can get.
* I don’t think Giddey is going anywhere, unless he feels it’s a move that makes the team better now AND in the future. I personally agree with him – Giddey is 21 and has gotten better every year, and he had an insane year off the court. His value is also about as low as it can get due to his performance in the playoffs and the off the court stuff. If I was a betting man, I’d expect to see Josh starting again come the fall, and he might get moved during the season if a good offer comes in.
* I don’t think any sort of star trade is coming. The Jazz are leaking plans to try and improve their roster and extend Lauri. The Cavs are planning to build around Donovan and Mobley. The Knicks are going to offer OG 40m a year. PG will want more than 2 years (really the money they have to play with) and a larger role than this team is willing to offer him.
* I fully trust Sam. He obviously knows way more about ball than I ever will, he’s closer to these guys than I am, and he is surrounded by people that study this all day, every day. Yeah, I agree the team needs size, but guys that can dribble/pass/shoot/rebound while 6’8″ or taller don’t exactly grow on trees. (Which is why I think Giddey is sticking around). I think he’s fully committed to playing a certain style (which clearly works) and he’s going to prioritize that style over personnel. However – he’s not opposed to making major moves if he thinks they’re right, and I can’t wait to see what he does.