2019-20 OKC Thunder

[dankrutka]

Funny, I love the blue road uniform with "Oklahoma City" on the front. I think it is a straight knock off of a Knicks uni, but I think it has a timeless and classic look. But, I'm old and I freely admit.

That uniform is going this season. The blue jersey will say “Thunder.”

[Celebrator]

Funny, I love the blue road uniform with "Oklahoma City" on the front. I think it is a straight knock off of a Knicks uni, but I think it has a timeless and classic look. But, I'm old and I freely admit.

I love the unwieldy Oklahoma City road uni, too. I will miss it. Although I would be okay with a cool looking "Okla. City" jersey, too. Haven't tried that one!

[tyeomans]

I'm still waiting on and wanting a Loud City jersey. Portland has Rip City, Charlotte has Buzz City....... Why can't we have Loud City?

[Dob Hooligan]

I saw that in the Oklahoman. No, check that, I read that ON the Oklahoman site (since they can't deliver a paper for ****) a couple days ago. Sad. But, it also dovetails with end of the Westbrook era. Or the "Legends" era, or the "Triplets" era. Or even the "30 for 30" era.

I think we need to start a conspiracy theory that the Thunder knew they were going to dismantle this summer and that is why they contracted to get rid of Russ' favorite uniform. The Oklahoma City road blues, that he must have liked best, because they wore it a lot the last couple years.

[Laramie]

Thunder rocked the NBA world with its recent moves. The talk media appears to be going bonkers.

[SoonersFan12]

They did come reeeeeaaaaallllly close though.

The Kings thanked former commissioner David Stern by putting his street name by the arena for not allowing the Kings to move to Seattle

[Laramie]

You can't help but give these guys a pass for the 2019-20 season; inasmuch as the attitude & environment will be different, this will be a rebirth of Thunder basketball in OKC.

There will be no members with any Seattle Supersonic ties. Westbrook was drafted the year the Supersonics relocated to OKC; he never played a game nor wore a Supersonic uniform. He wore a Seattle Supersonic's cap on draft night:

The last cornsilk tie to the Supersonics
Russell Westbrook we'll miss you; you will be remember, Why Not.

[Laramie]

And there was this...

...The last fan standing.

.

[Laramie]

Thunder Unveils New Uniform in Partnership with Oklahoma City National Memorial

City Edition is one of four new Thunder uniforms to debut in 2019-20 season

Oklahoma City, Tuesday, July 23, 2019 –The Oklahoma City Thunder today unveiled four new uniforms for the 2019-20 season. The lineup includes a new City Edition designed in partnership with the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. This City uniform aligns with the upcoming 25th anniversary of the April 19, 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City. The Thunder and the memorial worked closely with Nike to embody the spirit of resilience and remembrance to pay respect to the lives lost and all those impacted by the bombing. It also captures the memorial’s mission of educating current and future generations about the Oklahoma City community’s response to the tragedy, with a focus on the Oklahoma Standard of service, honor and kindness.

“April 19th, 1995 changed our city forever. The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum serves our community by helping us remember those lost, yet also tells a story of a city that comes together with compassion,” said Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti. “The Thunder is honored to continue to strengthen our relationship with the Oklahoma City Memorial with this endeavor. Additionally, the chance to help further the memorial's efforts around the Oklahoma Standard expands our support beyond that of the uniform. Although the Oklahoma Standard means something unique to everyone individually, raising awareness of its importance and ultimate evolution alongside that of our city is essential. Any progress we can make to help preserve and ultimately further articulate the simple acts of service, honor and kindness that have helped contribute to Oklahoma's community identity is a pivotal aspect to the broader civic impact we envision.”

As part of the Thunder’s partnership with the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, the team will underwrite a new permanent exhibit, which will emphasize and highlight examples of the Oklahoma Standard and provide valuable learning tools to deliver that message to local, national and global audiences. To honor the partnership, the Thunder will fund free admission to the National Memorial Museum once a month for the year 2020.

The uniform design features symbols that represent elements of the memorial. Across the chest, “Oklahoma City” appears in gold-lined letters, with the twin Gates of Time spanning down the side of the jerseys that carry into the shorts. The times 9:01 and 9:03 appear within the vents of the shorts. They reflect the innocence of the city at 9:01 before the attack, followed by the time the city began to come together and heal at 9:03. The white on the side of the shorts represents the Reflecting Pool, a shallow depth of water that provides comfort and peace. “Service,” “Honor” and “Kindness” appear above the jersey’s tag – reflecting the ideals of the Oklahoma Standard, and the manner in which Oklahoma citizens treat one another and their community.

The Survivor Tree, a 90-year-old American elm at the site of the memorial, is also depicted in full color on the belt of the uniform’s shorts. The tree serves as a symbol of human resilience and strength as it withstood the force of the 4,000 pound bomb. Inside the jersey, a blue ribbon is layered with the words, “We Remember Those Who Were Changed Forever, April 19, 1995.” Along the back of the neck, Thunder blue, navy, yellow and sunset stripes tie the uniform to the team’s traditional colors and represent the many gifts of remembrance that visitors left on the fence at the original site and continue to leave at the memorial today.

”Our partnership with the Thunder has continued to grow stronger. For more than a decade, every player experiences and comes to understand the Oklahoma Standard by visiting the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum,” said Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum Executive Director, Kari Watkins. “We have been working together on this meaningful uniform for months. This is a unique way to expand our mission to a global audience and to remember all those impacted. This uniform has many important symbolic elements that are reflective of this sacred site.”

“We are excited about taking our partnership with the Thunder to a whole new level,” said Kim Neese, survivor and chair, Memorial Conscience Committee. “As the 25th Anniversary of the bombing draws near, having Oklahoma City’s team wear this inspirational uniform continues to honor and remember the 168 people who were killed and all those who were changed forever.”

The City Edition uniform is one of four new uniforms the Thunder will wear next season, including refreshed Icon (blue) and Association (white) uniforms, and a new sunset Statement uniform.

“Refreshing our uniform lineup allows us to put a new twist on the classic Thunder image,” said Thunder Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Brian Byrnes. “These updates keep us true to our roots, but allow us to modernize and embolden the Thunder Basketball uniform portfolio as we continue to evolve our brand to proudly reflect our state and city.”

Like the blue Icon uniform before it, the team’s white Association uniform will now have “Oklahoma City” across the chest in sunset and Thunder blue, with a state outline of Oklahoma on the belt of the shorts. The uniform also has matching neck and arm striping with the primary team logo on the front left leg. This marks the second time the state outline has appeared on a Thunder uniform, as it was also featured on the team’s 2017-18 City Edition uniform.

On the Thunder blue Icon uniform, the chest now reads “Thunder” on the chest in sunset, with matching neck and arm striping. The blue uniform also features the primary team logo on the front left leg with increased tape striping on the arm and neck. Both uniforms boast a rich color palette, elevating the contrast of the team’s current brand profile. The Icon and Association uniforms will both be worn at home and on the road starting next season.

The team’s 2019-20 Statement Edition brings a fan favorite color scheme back to the Thunder’s uniform lineup with a bold sunset design. It marks the first time Thunder blue and sunset have appeared together on a uniform, with a staggered “OKC” in Thunder blue across the chest and gradient tonal sound waves down the back.

Thunder News Release: https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/rel...niforms-190723

[Laramie]

Thunder Announces Coaching Staff Updates

OKLAHOMA CITY, July 23, 2019 – The Oklahoma City Thunder has named David Akinyooye, Dave Bliss, Mark Daigneault, Brian Keefe and Mike Wilks assistant coaches, it was announced today by the team. They join current Thunder assistant coaches Maurice Cheeks and Vin Bhavnani along with director of quality control Billy Schmidt on Head Coach Billy Donovan’s staff.

“Each of our coaches on this year’s staff has a unique perspective on Thunder basketball that we believe will be a great benefit to our players,” said Donovan. “We are thrilled to welcome Brian Keefe back to the program, and seeing Dave, Mark, David and Mike all rise through our ranks to these positions on our staff is a testament to their hard work and dedication. With Mo, Vin and Billy Schmidt also back for next season, I couldn’t be more excited to get to work with this group.”

Akinyooye (ah-kin-YO-yay) joins the Thunder after spending the last four seasons as an assistant coach with the Oklahoma City Blue. Akinyooye came to Oklahoma City in 2015 following a one-year stint as an assistant coach in Lyon, France with Asvel Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket.

Prior to his time in Lyon, Akinyooye served as a player development quality assurance assistant with the San Antonio Spurs during their 2013-14 NBA championship season. He began his coaching career in 2012-13 with the New York Knicks in the role of coaching workout associate.

Bliss has been elevated to an assistant coaching position after spending the 2018-19 season as a senior player development coach for the Thunder. Bliss returned to Oklahoma City in 2018 after spending the three previous seasons with the New York Knicks as a player development coach. He previously worked with the Thunder as video analyst/player development coach from 2010-15 and this past month Bliss served as the head coach of the Thunder’s summer league team.

He began his coaching career as a volunteer assistant at the University of Georgia before transitioning to Virginia Commonwealth University to work as a graduate assistant. Bliss worked under Head Coach Shaka Smart during his time at VCU, helping the team to a 27-9 record. A four-year starter at Georgia, Bliss played a key role as the Bulldogs won the school’s second SEC Conference Tournament Championship in 2008.

Mark Daigneault (DAYG-nalt) joins the Thunder sideline after spending the past five seasons as head coach of the Oklahoma City Blue. He led the Blue to four playoff appearances and holds a career 143-107 (.572) record. Daigneault also served as head coach of the Thunder’s summer league team for three consecutive years (2016-2018).

Under Daigneault’s watch the past five seasons, the Blue has seen eight players called up to NBA rosters and four players signed to Two-Way Contracts. During the 2015-16 season, Daigneault joined Donovan’s Thunder coaching staff midseason after Cheeks was sidelined due to hip surgery. Daigneault came to Oklahoma City after spending his previous four years working under Donovan at the University of Florida, where he most recently held the position of assistant to the head coach. Throughout his four years at Florida, the Gators totaled a record of 120-30 (.800), won three SEC titles and advanced to the Elite Eight each year.

Keefe returns to the Thunder sideline for the 2019-20 season after serving previously in the same capacity for five seasons in Oklahoma City (2008-2013). During Keefe’s previous tenure with the Thunder, Oklahoma City advanced to the postseason five straight seasons, including a trip to the NBA Finals in 2012.

Entering his 15th NBA season, Keefe spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers. Before originally joining the Thunder, Keefe spent two seasons (2005-07) as assistant video coordinator for the San Antonio Spurs, winning an NBA Championship as part of Gregg Popovich’s staff during the Spurs’ title run in 2007.

Wilks moves to the Thunder’s bench after spending the previous seven seasons with Oklahoma City as a senior pro evaluation scout. Wilks becomes the second former Thunder player (Royal Ivey) to join the team’s coaching ranks.

He enjoyed a seven-year NBA playing career where he appeared in 233 games with ten different NBA teams. He holds career averages of 2.5 points, 1.2 assists and 1.0 rebound in 9.6 minutes per game.


Thunder New Release: https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/rel...ngstaff-190723

[Laramie]

More revealed about the 'Memorial uniform.

[gopokes88]

Those are fantastic. Two years in a row they’ve nailed the “city” edition uniforms.

[okatty]

Those are fantastic. Two years in a row they’ve nailed the “city” edition uniforms.

Agree. I like em.

[Laramie]

.

Among the highlights of the Thunder’s ‘City Edition’ jersey that
remembers the 1995 bombing are the Survivor Tree and Gates of
Time. [DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN]

Justice Steven Taylor remembers watching Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant stand in the Oklahoma City National Memorial grounds over a decade ago, trying to process what they had just witnessed in the museum.

“That was (Thunder general manager) Sam (Presti’s) whole purpose, was to get these players know something and have a feeling and an emotional bond with Oklahoma City,” said Taylor, who serves as the chairman of the museum’s board of trustees.

On Tuesday, the Thunder took the most visible steps of their longstanding partnership with the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. The team unveiled its 2019-20 City Edition uniforms, which honor those affected by the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The Thunder and Nike partnered with the memorial and museum to design the uniforms. The team also pledged to underwrite a new permanent exhibit on the Oklahoma Standard and fund free admission once a month in 2020.

But the Thunder’s relationship with the memorial and museum dates back to 2008, when the team relocated from Seattle. Starting in October of that year, Presti made it a Thunder tradition to bring new players and staff members to the memorial and museum. He has also has served on the museum’s executive board for seven years.

“He’s not just a board member, he’s a very active board member,” Taylor said.

The players Presti brings through the memorial and museum hear the 1995 recording from a Water Resources Board meeting interrupted by the bomb going off across the street.

They see twisted rubble from the Federal Building.

They watch video clips of Oklahomans who lost loved ones in the blast.

They read the stories of first responders. They track the evidence that helped investigators bring Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols to trial. They stand in the memorial, alongside 168 empty chairs, one for every life lost in the bombing, and they take it all in.

“The Thunder has been so good to Oklahoma City,” said Kim Neese, chair of the Memorial Conscience Committee, “and they understand what the mission of the memorial is and therefore they bring all their new players through here. And that’s really humbling for a lot of us as survivors that they get the mission and therefore want to partner with us and do this uniform for the 25th anniversary, which is just amazing.”

Neese was working on the third floor of the Water Resources Board building on the morning of April 19, 1995. When the bomb went off, light fixtures and broken glass rained down around and on top of her. Two of her coworkers died on the same floor.

“That’s one of the reasons I’m on the Conscience Committee,” she said, “is that I want to continue to honor those two lives that were lost because I’m fortunate that, though injured slightly, I survived, and I’m grateful.”

Oklahoma City Police Chief Wade Gourley also brought up how impressed he was that the Thunder brings its players on tours through the museum. Back in 1995 he arrived at the scene of the bombing as they were evacuating the building for a second bomb threat — it was a false alarm. He was assigned to the perimeter and remembers citizens showing up with cranes and water, anything they could offer to help.

“Now that they live here and represent Oklahoma City,” Gourley said of the Thunder players, “it’s really good for them to see what Oklahoma City’s all about.”

It took Gourley about 20 years to visit the memorial museum for the first time; he wasn’t ready to relive the horrors of that day. But he was there on Tuesday to view the Thunder’s new City uniform.

When new players come through the museum this season — there will be a lot of them in the next few years as the Thunder moves into a rebuild — those who join the Thunder before the temporary display comes down will walk past an exhibit explaining the meaning of their City uniform on their way to the elevator.

“As they rebuild, it’s very symbolic of how we rebuilt our city,” Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum Executive Director Kari Watkins said. “It doesn’t matter what player wears this, what matters is our story’s being told.”

Source: Oklahoman, July 24, 2019: http://digital.newsok.com/Olive/ODN/...n/default.aspx

[Laramie]

Sam Presti: Looking back, thinking forward

BY SAM PRESTI, OKC Thunder general manager
Published: Thu, July 25, 2019 6:45 AM, Oklahoman

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti. [CHRIS LANDSBERGER/The Oklahoman]

Given the events of the last few weeks, I think it is important for all of us who love the Thunder to reflect on where we have been, where we are now, and most importantly where we are going — as well as how we plan to get there.

First, a look back. It is impossible to overstate the magnitude of what we as a community have experienced together over the last 11 years. The players who have worn the Thunder uniform, and the fans who have gathered to support them, have had an effect on our home that goes far beyond basketball. The bond between the team and its fans has changed lives, boosted the local economy, transformed our downtown, and — perhaps most importantly — brought confidence and recognition to a city and a state that has too often been overlooked.

The words “Oklahoma City” are now known across the world, recognized for iconic players, consistent high-level success, and an unbreakable connection between a city and its team. Sports in a small market do one thing above all else: they create a set of intense memories through which individuals come together to form a larger community. Over the last 11 years, we have celebrated and suffered together, experienced moments of extraordinary joy and extraordinary disappointment, said goodbye to old friends and welcomed new ones. All of these are essential parts of competition, and all of them are valuable. These are the gifts of knowing what it means to be in the fight. The most important thing is that we have done it all together. To have been a part of this journey, in whatever role, provides a value that reaches beyond numbers on a scoreboard.

This summer, the story of the Oklahoma City Thunder is transitioning to a new phase. Over the last few weeks, we have parted ways with foundational players — people who have represented our city to the world, who have sacrificed for us and flourished on our behalf. Although this has been painful, I also believe that — given the circumstances — it was necessary. In saying goodbye to the past, we have begun to chart our future. The next great Thunder team is out there somewhere, but it will take time to seize and discipline to ultimately sustain.

Oklahoma City expects, and deserves, extraordinary success. Delivering this is what drives us. But I want to be transparent and realistic about the process that meeting these types of expectations may require. Despite our city’s rapid rise and growth, Oklahoma City remains the second-smallest market in the NBA. While this brings many benefits, it also poses strategic challenges. Given the way the league’s system is designed, small market teams operate with significant disadvantages. There is no reason to pretend otherwise. This in no way means we cannot be extraordinarily successful — we, and several other small to mid-market teams, are our own best examples of the ability to overcome these realities. It simply means we must be thinking differently, optimistically, finding our advantages by other means.

n order to build — and then sustain — a truly great basketball team, it requires a method. This method is not guesswork or a convenient message that miscasts other’s good fortune as a repeatable skill. To build true excellence in any industry, and then sustain it, requires trading on time and playing the empirical odds. This will require strategic discipline and thoughtful patience, but these are values our organization has always held high. That’s how longevity is earned. It is important to remember that.

It will take us time, now, to reposition, replenish and then ultimately rebuild our team. Things will inevitably get harder from here. At some point during this transition, we may not have the kind of team you’ve been used to. But we will be fearless, focused, and relentless in seeking opportunities to improve our long-term position.

I believe that Oklahoma City is uniquely qualified to understand this challenge. The value of a long-term vision is woven into our city’s DNA. One of the city’s greatest triumphs is the story of MAPS. In the early 1990s, downtown was largely abandoned. What we know as Chesapeake Energy Arena was the site of an old Wonder Bread factory, and the Devon Tower was a giant parking lot. Instead of giving up on their city, voters decided to pass a revolutionary tax program to help rebuild it. This was a significant sacrifice, a huge investment, and yet for years there were no results. Critics, of course, stepped forward to claim that MAPS was a waste of time and money. But the people stuck with the plan. Today, the success of MAPS is legendary and still evolving. It laid the foundation on which downtown Oklahoma City has revived itself, and it has made us the envy of similar-sized cities across the country. All because the people and leadership believed in and committed to a long-term vision, even when things got hard.

[dankrutka]

In other words, Presti is still trying to trade Chris Paul and Danilo Gallinari and fully tear down. I'm ready for it. If you need some hope, here you go: https://www.theringer.com/nba/2019/7...a-city-thunder

[gopokes88]

Tank time baby!!!

Let’s goooooooooo

Best things to be in the nba.

1. Elite with 2 superstars
2. Terrible winning 20 games
3. Mediocre.

We can’t be 1, so let’s be 2 to get back too 1

[Laramie]

Obvious the franchise is in tank mode. What happens if this backfires...

[dcsooner]

Sam Presti: Looking back, thinking forward

BY SAM PRESTI, OKC Thunder general manager
Published: Thu, July 25, 2019 6:45 AM, Oklahoman

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti. [CHRIS LANDSBERGER/The Oklahoman]

Given the events of the last few weeks, I think it is important for all of us who love the Thunder to reflect on where we have been, where we are now, and most importantly where we are going — as well as how we plan to get there.

First, a look back. It is impossible to overstate the magnitude of what we as a community have experienced together over the last 11 years. The players who have worn the Thunder uniform, and the fans who have gathered to support them, have had an effect on our home that goes far beyond basketball. The bond between the team and its fans has changed lives, boosted the local economy, transformed our downtown, and — perhaps most importantly — brought confidence and recognition to a city and a state that has too often been overlooked.

The words “Oklahoma City” are now known across the world, recognized for iconic players, consistent high-level success, and an unbreakable connection between a city and its team. Sports in a small market do one thing above all else: they create a set of intense memories through which individuals come together to form a larger community. Over the last 11 years, we have celebrated and suffered together, experienced moments of extraordinary joy and extraordinary disappointment, said goodbye to old friends and welcomed new ones. All of these are essential parts of competition, and all of them are valuable. These are the gifts of knowing what it means to be in the fight. The most important thing is that we have done it all together. To have been a part of this journey, in whatever role, provides a value that reaches beyond numbers on a scoreboard.

This summer, the story of the Oklahoma City Thunder is transitioning to a new phase. Over the last few weeks, we have parted ways with foundational players — people who have represented our city to the world, who have sacrificed for us and flourished on our behalf. Although this has been painful, I also believe that — given the circumstances — it was necessary. In saying goodbye to the past, we have begun to chart our future. The next great Thunder team is out there somewhere, but it will take time to seize and discipline to ultimately sustain.

Oklahoma City expects, and deserves, extraordinary success. Delivering this is what drives us. But I want to be transparent and realistic about the process that meeting these types of expectations may require. Despite our city’s rapid rise and growth, Oklahoma City remains the second-smallest market in the NBA. While this brings many benefits, it also poses strategic challenges. Given the way the league’s system is designed, small market teams operate with significant disadvantages. There is no reason to pretend otherwise. This in no way means we cannot be extraordinarily successful — we, and several other small to mid-market teams, are our own best examples of the ability to overcome these realities. It simply means we must be thinking differently, optimistically, finding our advantages by other means.

n order to build — and then sustain — a truly great basketball team, it requires a method. This method is not guesswork or a convenient message that miscasts other’s good fortune as a repeatable skill. To build true excellence in any industry, and then sustain it, requires trading on time and playing the empirical odds. This will require strategic discipline and thoughtful patience, but these are values our organization has always held high. That’s how longevity is earned. It is important to remember that.

It will take us time, now, to reposition, replenish and then ultimately rebuild our team. Things will inevitably get harder from here. At some point during this transition, we may not have the kind of team you’ve been used to. But we will be fearless, focused, and relentless in seeking opportunities to improve our long-term position.

I believe that Oklahoma City is uniquely qualified to understand this challenge. The value of a long-term vision is woven into our city’s DNA. One of the city’s greatest triumphs is the story of MAPS. In the early 1990s, downtown was largely abandoned. What we know as Chesapeake Energy Arena was the site of an old Wonder Bread factory, and the Devon Tower was a giant parking lot. Instead of giving up on their city, voters decided to pass a revolutionary tax program to help rebuild it. This was a significant sacrifice, a huge investment, and yet for years there were no results. Critics, of course, stepped forward to claim that MAPS was a waste of time and money. But the people stuck with the plan. Today, the success of MAPS is legendary and still evolving. It laid the foundation on which downtown Oklahoma City has revived itself, and it has made us the envy of similar-sized cities across the country. All because the people and leadership believed in and committed to a long-term vision, even when things got hard.

Don’t disagree with anything Sam mentioned. OKC has and will continue to be better because of the Thunder. Well said Sam.

[Bill Robertson]

Obvious the franchise is in tank mode. What happens if this backfires...

This to me is the scary thing about “rebuilding”. My Dolphins have been “rebuilding” since the late 70s.

[Dob Hooligan]

Thunder isn't tanking. I honestly think that no NBA team is ever going to be allowed to tank at the level of the 76ers under Oklahoma native Sam Hinkie and "The Process". They were so bad that their sin wasn't just low home attendance, rather it was that they hurt the revenue at their road games. Then that hurts TV ratings and the vicious cycle of financially hurting their partners with the other 29 teams. That is unforgivable.

The Thunder as currently configured are going to win at least 35 games next season IMO, could well win 45 and get into the playoffs. I don't think we will be eliminated from contention until the last two weeks of the season under the worst case. Considering we were a first round loser with record challenging high payrolls the last couple years, I have to think out current set up is a financial net positive.

I think the Thunder gets more national attention than we would deserve based on market size. I think the Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Hornets are all teams that get less attention than we do. And I think there are more than that. My point being that a "full tank job" would wipe out the fame and good will we have created and earned over the last decade. The "little team that tries" is much more popular than the "cynical tanker".

[Easy180]

This to me is the scary thing about “rebuilding”. My Dolphins have been “rebuilding” since the late 70s.

Fellow Dolphins fan so I feel your pain. Actually they haven’t been rebuilding as it seems more of a “Let’s shoot for a 7-9 and 8-8 record every year for a few decades” approach.

[jn1780]

Oklahoma City expects, and deserves, extraordinary success. Delivering this is what drives us. But I want to be transparent and realistic about the process that meeting these types of expectations may require. Despite our city’s rapid rise and growth, Oklahoma City remains the second-smallest market in the NBA. While this brings many benefits, it also poses strategic challenges. Given the way the league’s system is designed, small market teams operate with significant disadvantages. There is no reason to pretend otherwise. This in no way means we cannot be extraordinarily successful — we, and several other small to mid-market teams, are our own best examples of the ability to overcome these realities. It simply means we must be thinking differently, optimistically, finding our advantages by other means.

What are the significant disadvantages? The main thought that comes to mind is OKC's ability to attract free agents. The thing that makes me nervous about the future is even if we build up a bunch of top young guys. We may run into a lot more Kevin Durant situations where they leave to head to the bigger cities.

[dankrutka]

Obvious the franchise is in tank mode. What happens if this backfires...

Like, what happens if they try to tank, but win a title instead?

[checkthat]

This to me is the scary thing about “rebuilding”. My Dolphins have been “rebuilding” since the late 70s.

Let's hope this doesn't turn out to be prescient. Dan Marino was drafted by the Dolphins in 1983 and played there through 1999, his entire career. Many consider Marino to be the best quarterback to never win a championship. Presti sure can draft but will he be able to bring the Larry O'Brien Trophy to OKC?