Sam Presti: ‘The NBA Is A Poker Game. It’s Not A Chess Game.’

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti addressed his team-building approach during a preseason press conference, comparing roster management in the NBA to a poker game rather than chess. Presti explained that teams must maximize their specific strengths and limitations, citing admiration for small-market MLB franchises like the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays.

Presti constructed Oklahoma City's championship roster through strategic acquisitions and draft selections. Major moves included trading Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019 for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and draft assets, drafting Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren in 2022, acquiring Cason Wallace in 2023, and trading for Ajay Mitchell in 2024.