Sam Presti has long been recognized as one of the sharpest minds in basketball. In 2025, his vision and hard work were rewarded with the NBA Executive of the Year title. As the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, Sam Presti has redefined franchise building and has guided the Thunder back to elite status in the NBA.

The Journey to NBA Executive of the Year

In May 2025, Sam Presti was named the NBA’s Executive of the Year for the first time. This recognition reflects the Thunder's incredible 68-win season and their dominance throughout 2024-25. According to ESPN, Presti secured the honor by transforming the Thunder into a juggernaut. He received 10 first-place votes out of 30, highlighting the respect he commands among his peers.

Presti’s work goes far beyond just signing players. He fostered a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and relentless improvement. In his own words, the award is "really the result of our players and their commitment to our program" — underscoring his belief in teamwork and player development.

Strategic Moves That Defined a Season

Sam Presti’s keen eye for talent and strategy paid major dividends in 2024-25. Last summer, he added defensive specialist Alex Caruso and skilled center Isaiah Hartenstein. These additions solidified the Thunder’s defense and balanced the roster.

Caruso, renowned for his tenacity, helped the Thunder achieve the league’s best defensive rating. Hartenstein emerged as a consistent force in the paint, averaging a double-double for the first time in his career. Presti’s shrewd transactions propelled the team to a franchise-best record.

For more details on Presti’s award-winning moves and stats, NBA.com’s official coverage provides an in-depth look at his strategies and the historic season.

Respected by NBA Peers

Recognition from colleagues sits at the heart of the NBA Executive of the Year award. Executives from all 30 teams participated in voting, further validating Sam Presti’s impact. Throughout his 18-year tenure, Presti has weathered ups and downs, always keeping the Thunder competitive through smart drafting, well-timed trades, and long-term planning.

His peers ranked him above strong contenders like Cleveland’s Koby Altman and Detroit’s Trajan Langdon. The Thunder’s transformation—with a record-setting scoring differential—was no accident but the result of years of building a sustainable, winning culture.

A Blueprint for Sustainable Success

Sam Presti isn’t just celebrating a single season. His leadership has built a foundation for the Thunder’s future. From player development to crafting a unified coaching and support staff, every detail matters. His dedication ensures that Oklahoma City isn’t just a contender for now, but for seasons to come.

To get additional perspective on the award’s significance and Presti’s long journey to the top, explore the NBA’s list of all-time winners, and see how he stands out among basketball’s best minds.

Conclusion: Sam Presti’s Legacy

Sam Presti’s story is one of vision, patience, and innovation. His approach has turned the Thunder into an NBA powerhouse and earned the trust of a city. As Oklahoma City fans and basketball insiders look forward, Presti’s blueprint will serve as the gold standard for organizational excellence in the NBA. Will he inspire the next generation of basketball executives? Only time will tell, but his legacy is already secure.