OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Thunder fans, we’re just about a month away from the team hitting the court for a new season. General Manager Sam Presti spoke to the media Thursday morning as the first game draws closer.
The sounding of the Game 7 buzzer with the Thunder on the high side probably still sits fresh on fans’ minds. It feels like just yesterday, champions were strutting the streets of Oklahoma City with a trophy that’s traveled far and wide with each player since they secured the big world title win.
“Not saying we shouldn’t be proud of what we accomplished, or we can’t look backwards, it’s strictly if we want to capitalize on this season, we have to turn the page competitively,” Presti said Thursday.
A new season brings new life. Presti said Thursday at his news conference that it’s time to move forward.
“If we are to stack another successful NBA season next to last year, it won’t be with the same exact formula. Simply put, we as a basketball team have to get better. We have to improve,” he said.
The big league city can expect its big 3 ballplayers back on the court this season after they signed new, long-term contracts. That’s Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They’ll join all the other key pieces that brought the city its first major sports championship. Now, the team stares at a blank canvas in Presti’s words. They’re not chasing an outcome; they’re perfecting a process.
“Whatever we want, we’ve had to make happen. In this case, making it happen means having the discipline and the humility to turn the page and push ourselves forward. This approach fits us best, because in Oklahoma, we are builders. We are not guardians. We are not guarding or defending the past. That’s over, and it’s ours. We are pursuing our future and whatever comes next,” Presti said.
You can hear from the Thunder players after we speak to them on Monday at their media day. Their first game is set for October 21 against the Houston Rockets.
You can see the ring ceremony, the banner drop, and catch the game on KFOR News Channel 4.
