68 wins + net wins break the record, 18 years, finally won the best general manager

On May 7, the NBA officially announced that Thunder General Manager Sam Presti was elected Executive of the Year in 2024-25. This is the first best executive trophy in Presti's 18-year Thunder career. He has been ranked second three times before (2009-10, 2019-20, 2023-24 seasons).

From the talented talent in the "Thunder Three Young Masters" era to the current champion puzzle trader, Presti proved with a gorgeous counterattack: patience and precision will eventually bear fruit.

In fact, Presti had a high probability of winning the title of Best General Manager last season. Last season, the Thunder won 57 wins and 25 losses, ranking first in the Western Conference, but stopped in the semi-finals of the playoffs, and Presti missed the title.

In this season, the Thunder's record further improved, reaching the league with a record of 68 wins and 14 losses, tied for the sixth best record in history, and also set a record of NBA's single-season net win with a net win of 12.9 points per game. Behind this achievement are Presti's two key operations in the offseason: exchange Gidey for the defensive strongman Caruso and signing center Haltenstein. The former averaged 7.1 points + 1.6 steals per game, supporting the outside gate; the latter became the new pillar of the Thunder's interior with comprehensive data of 11.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists. As coach Dagnot said: "He allowed the team's offensive and defensive system to complete a qualitative change." The rise of the Thunder began with the ultimate operation of "draft assets". In 2019, he traded Westbrook and George, and received a total of 15 future first-round picks (including 7 lotto signs). In 2025, he held 3 first-round picks (Rockets, Clippers, Heat), building the most terrifying "draft pick empire" in the NBA;

However, along the way, Presti has also been questioned. He was criticized for "squandering talents" for trading Harden, and was also questioned for "rebuilding too slowly" for hoarding draft picks in recent years.

But this season's operation completely reverses the rating: Caruso's championship experience and Harten's tactical adaptability perfectly completes the young core framework of Alexander and Jaylen Williams. In the Best Executive Poll, Presti beat Ultraman Cavaliers (58 points) and Pistons (52 points) with 10 first votes and a total of 74 points.

Although the Thunder swept the Grizzlies 4-0 in the first round, the reversal of G1 by the Nuggets in the second round exposed hidden dangers - the core Alexander lacked stability at the critical moment and Homegren lacked experience.

If the Thunder stops in the second round, the glory of 68 wins may become a "regular season bubble", but Presti has laid the groundwork for the future: the team still holds 17 first-round picks and 32 draft picks, and is flexible in the league.

Now, Presti's net has already saved the honor of the best executive. Can he win the championship next? The answer may be this summer.