A Historic Milestone for the Architect of OKC
Sam Presti, the longtime general manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder, has officially been named the NBA’s Executive of the Year following one of the most remarkable seasons in franchise history.
The Thunder posted a league-best 68-14 record, claimed the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, and transformed from a rebuilding team into a full-fledged contender — all under Presti’s vision and leadership.
It is Presti’s first time receiving the honor, and the franchise’s first since 1994, when the team operated as the Seattle SuperSonics under Bob Whitsitt.
A Vote of Respect From His Peers
Presti received 10 first-place votes from the league’s 30 general managers and appeared on 22 total ballots, outpacing Cavaliers GM Koby Altman and Pistons executive Trajan Langdon. Houston’s Rafael Stone and Clippers president Lawrence Frank rounded out the top five.
The NBA Executive of the Year is the only major award determined by team executives themselves — not by the media.
“An award such as this is really the result of our players and their commitment to our program,” Presti said. “They push themselves in all capacities for the good of the team.”
A Blueprint Turned Contender
Presti’s roster, centered around MVP finalist Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, blossomed into one of the NBA’s most balanced and disciplined teams. The Thunder led the league in defensive rating, steals, and points off turnovers, with strong veteran additions like Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein amplifying the team’s growth.
Key young players like Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Josh Giddey all flourished under head coach Mark Daigneault, creating a foundation that appears built for sustained success.
The Company He Beat
Behind Presti in the voting:
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Koby Altman (Cavaliers): Architect of Cleveland’s 64-win season and multiple award-winning players.
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Trajan Langdon (Pistons): Credited for Detroit’s leap out of the East cellar.
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Rafael Stone (Rockets): A strong rebuild accelerated by youth and savvy veteran moves.
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Lawrence Frank (Clippers): Maintained playoff relevance despite aging stars.
Other executives receiving votes included:
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Rob Pelinka (Lakers): Pulled off the season’s biggest blockbuster by landing Luka Doncic.
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Mike Dunleavy (Warriors), Sean Marks (Nets), Brad Stevens (Celtics), and Leon Rose (Knicks) also garnered support.
Part of a Broader Honors Season
Presti’s recognition adds to a packed postseason awards list for 2025:
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Coach of the Year: Kenny Atkinson (Cavaliers)
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Most Improved Player: Dyson Daniels (Hawks)
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Rookie of the Year: Stephon Castle (Spurs)
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Defensive Player of the Year: Evan Mobley (Cavaliers)
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Clutch Player of the Year: Jalen Brunson (Knicks)
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Sixth Man of the Year: Payton Pritchard (Celtics)
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Teammate of the Year: Stephen Curry (Warriors)
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Hustle Award: Draymond Green (Warriors)
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Sportsmanship Award: Jrue Holiday (Celtics)
Still to come: the league’s most anticipated honor — Most Valuable Player, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo vying for the crown.
