OKC’s Sam Presti picked as the NBA’s executive of the year

Sam Presti, the mastermind behind the Oklahoma City Thunder’s success, was named the NBA’s Executive of the Year on Tuesday. This prestigious award recognizes his exceptional leadership in building a team that dominated the league with 68 wins this season.

This is the first time that Presti has won this award, and it marks a significant milestone for the franchise. The last time a top executive from the team, then known as the Seattle SuperSonics, received this honor was in 1994 when Bob Whitsitt claimed the title.

Presti, who serves as the Thunder’s executive vice president and general manager, garnered 10 first-place votes from a panel of 30 basketball executives representing each of the NBA’s teams. He appeared on 22 of the 30 ballots, solidifying his position as a standout in the league.

In his humble acceptance speech, Presti expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Thunder. He emphasized that his role is to serve the organization to the best of his ability and ensure its success for the benefit of all involved. This selfless approach to his job reflects his dedication to the team’s mission and values.

Following Presti in the rankings were Koby Altman of the Cleveland Cavaliers in second place and Trajan Langdon of the Detroit Pistons in third. Altman received six first-place votes for leading the Cavaliers to 64 wins, while Langdon transformed the Pistons from a 14-win team to a playoff contender with 44 wins.

Other notable executives recognized in the rankings include Rafael Stone of the Houston Rockets, Lawrence Frank of the Los Angeles Clippers, and Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers. Each of them received votes for their contributions to their respective teams’ success during the season.

The Executive of the Year award is a distinctive accolade in the NBA, as it is determined by a select group of basketball executives rather than a broader panel of writers and broadcasters. This unique approach ensures that the award reflects the perspectives of those directly involved in the league’s operations.

As the NBA continues to unveil its season awards, fans can look forward to announcements for MVP, All-NBA, All-Rookie, and All-Defensive teams in the coming weeks. These honors will recognize the top performers and contributors to the league’s success throughout the season.

In conclusion, Sam Presti’s recognition as the NBA’s Executive of the Year highlights his exceptional leadership and strategic vision in guiding the Oklahoma City Thunder to a remarkable season. His dedication to the team’s success and commitment to excellence set a high standard for executives across the league to emulate.