6 days ago
On eve of NBA Finals, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander talks relationship with Sam Presti
On eve of NBA Finals, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander talks relationship with Sam Presti
The Oklahoma City Thunder have taken center stage at the NBA's biggest time of the year. They will enter the 2025 NBA Finals as the heavy favorite over the Indiana Pacers.
As non-local folks grow accustomed to the small-market squad, which has dominated the Western Conference, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Sam Presti are the two biggest names that stand out.
The GM-MVP duo has led the Thunder back to the Promised Land and on the doorstep of their first NBA championship. Anybody who watches the NBA long enough understands how important that relationship is when it comes to on-court success.
On the eve of Game 1, Gilgeous-Alexander was asked about his partnership with Presti. His meteoric rise to one of the league's best players caught most by surprise. But the Thunder have adjusted and built a superteam around him that complements his skillset.
"He's honest and upfront with me from day one. I think that helped our relationship right away. You don't get that very often, especially that early," Gilgeous-Alexander said about Presti. "Seemed like a guy I can trust. He's been that. I just try to be the same back to him. Nothing more than just two guys with good character trusting each other and have one common goal in mind."
That goal is likely an NBA championship. It's the one achievement Presti has yet to capture, despite a Hall-of-Fame-worthy resume. For Gilgeous-Alexander, it would turn from one of the league's best players into one of the all-time greats to cap off a historic season.
