League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Sam Presti reflects on draft strategy with Thunder, eyes missed opportunities

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 16, 2026, 2:34 AM

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

Sam Presti reflects on draft strategy with Thunder, eyes missed opportunities

Summary

Oklahoma City Thunder General Manager Sam Presti considers which NBA Draft he would like to redo, focusing on the 2014 draft. Presti selected Mitch McGary and Josh Huestis with two first-round picks, neither of whom became significant contributors. The draft is under scrutiny for the talents that slipped past the Thunder, including Nikola Jokic, Joe Harris, and Jerami Grant. Presti's past successes contrast with the high expectations of building around stars like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Ultimately, he aims to learn from past decisions as the Thunder build their future with a young core and numerous draft picks.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Sam Presti discusses the impact of the 2014 NBA Draft for the Thunder.
•Oklahoma City selected Mitch McGary and Josh Huestis but faced missed opportunities.
•Key talents like Nikola Jokic and Joe Harris were still available during the draft.
•Presti reflects on building around stars Durant and Westbrook.
•Thunder currently has a young roster and substantial future draft assets.

Latest Updates

2:34 AMYahoo Sports — Which Draft Would Sam Presti Like To Redo?

What they're saying

"
Rewinding to 2014 reveals how a pair of missed first-rounders left Kevin Durant’s championship-hungry squad vulnerable while stars like Nikola Jokic and Joe Harris slipped away.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Basketball