Thunder GM Sam Presti Addresses Media

Originally Published: May 3, 2010 10:30 AM CDT

Dave Carty
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY -- No matter how big a building block it was for the Oklahoma City Thunder, general manager Sam Presti still sees the 2009-10 season – one in which the team improved to 50 wins from 23 the previous season – as a brick in the wall.

“This year was another step in the process for us,” said Presti, addressing the media on Monday. “It was a positive step. At the same time?we’re not content or satisfied with where we are.”

If an NBA Coach of the Year award for Scott Brooks and a 2nd-place MVP finish for Kevin Durant can’t get Presti no satisfaction, it likely bodes well for the forward-thinking Thunder. Oklahoma City earned its first playoff berth and plus-.500 finish, but next season fans will be looking for an encore performance.

Presti says next season’s success relies on this season’s efforts.

“We’re not entitled to anything,” he said. “We have to do the work. Our players understand that and our coaches understand that. Coming into training camp next year, we’re going to have to stay true to the things that have afforded us this level of success. There [are] no promises for next season, outside of what it is we’re able to scratch together and earn.”

As far as adding a free agent to complement the Thunder’s foundation, the general manager says the key is in communication.

“On July 1st, when [teams] are eligible to talk to players or agents, everybody, for the most part, is talking to everybody,” he said. “That’s part of the process – you evaluate all your options.

“You have to be able to communicate in order to learn about what might be out there, what the market might be. It wouldn’t be shocking that certain players might get calls from 25 teams. It doesn’t necessarily mean that someone is zeroed in on one person.”

The Thunder have somewhere in the area of $13 million in salary cap space, but aren’t expected to make a big free agent splash – a la the likes of Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade or – the big fish in the pond – LeBron James.

Instead, signs point to the Thunder adding some smaller pieces and placing an emphasis on its already-established cornerstones. Trying to tie up Jeff Green and Durant long-term will be crucial as the team tries to keep the developmental process flowing smoothly between the seasons.

“The summers have been beneficial for us,” said Presti. “I think it’s somewhat clich? to say ‘summer is the time to get better.’ But, we’ve had guys come back improved each summer.

“We need that to take place again.”