Career Timeline of Sam Presti: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Sam Presti built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Sam Presti is the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder since 2007. Hired at 29, he was the second-youngest NBA GM. As of now, he is the third-longest tenured head of basketball operations in the league. His work primarily involves managing the team's roster, trades, and draft selections, focusing on long-term team development and competitive positioning within the NBA.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1996: First Finals Appearance since 1996

In 2011, the Thunder reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 1996 when the franchise was in Seattle.

2001: Encouraged the Spurs to draft Tony Parker

Prior to the 2001 NBA draft, Sam Presti encouraged the Spurs to draft Tony Parker. Parker went on to play 18 seasons in the NBA, making six All-Star teams, and winning four NBA championships.

2002: Named Assistant Director of Scouting for the Spurs

In 2002, Sam Presti was promoted to assistant director of scouting for the San Antonio Spurs.

2003: Named Director of Player Personnel for the Spurs

In 2003, Sam Presti became the director of player personnel for the San Antonio Spurs.

2003: Part of the 2003 Spurs Championship team

In 2003, Sam Presti was part of the San Antonio Spurs championship team.

2005: Named Vice President and Assistant General Manager for the Spurs

In 2005, Sam Presti was elevated to the position of Vice President and Assistant General Manager for the San Antonio Spurs.

2005: Part of the 2005 Spurs Championship team

In 2005, Sam Presti was part of the San Antonio Spurs championship team.

June 7, 2007: Named GM of the Seattle SuperSonics

On June 7, 2007, Sam Presti was named the general manager of the Seattle SuperSonics.

2007: Named General Manager of the Seattle SuperSonics

In 2007, Sam Presti became the general manager for the Seattle SuperSonics (now Oklahoma City Thunder) at 29 years old, making him the second-youngest person to ever hold the position in the NBA.

2007: First Draft and Trades as Sonics GM

In 2007, Sam Presti made his first draft selections and trades as the general manager of the Seattle SuperSonics, including drafting Kevin Durant and trading for Jeff Green and future first-round picks.

2007: Part of the 2007 Spurs Championship team

In 2007, Sam Presti was part of the San Antonio Spurs championship team.

July 2008: Relocation to Oklahoma City

In July 2008, Sam Presti and the Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2009: First Season in Oklahoma City

In 2009, during Sam Presti's first season in Oklahoma City, the Thunder fired P.J. Carlesimo and hired Scott Brooks as head coach, drafted James Harden, and experienced a significant turnaround to make the playoffs.

2011: Reached Western Conference Finals

In 2011, the Thunder, led by Sam Presti, reached the Western Conference Finals but lost to the Dallas Mavericks.

2012: James Harden Trade

In 2012, Sam Presti and the Thunder traded James Harden to the Houston Rockets after failing to reach a contract extension agreement, a decision that was later heavily criticized.

2015: Fired Head Coach Scott Brooks

In 2015, Sam Presti fired head coach Scott Brooks after seven seasons with the team.

2019: Traded Paul George

In 2019, Sam Presti traded Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers.

2020: Trading away key veterans

In 2020, Sam Presti began a rebuilding process with the Thunder, trading away key veterans.

2020: Acquiring Draft Picks

Throughout the 2020 seasons, Sam Presti gained a reputation for acquiring numerous draft picks adding up to 38 future picks, 19 in the first round and 19 in the second round.