Oklahoma City Thunder GM backs Chet Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti has vigorously defended Chet Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander following their recent playoff exit to the San Antonio Spurs.
Presti used a 100-minute end-of-season press conference on Monday to voice his unwavering support for his foundational players.
The executive backed his young centre as an underdog while dismissing relentless online criticism directed at his star point guard.
Holmgren backed to bounce back
The highly-rated big man endured a difficult seven-game series against the Spurs, seeing his regular-season scoring average of 17.1 points drop to just 10.7.
His postseason culminated in a quiet four-point, four-rebound performance during the decisive Game 7 defeat.
However, Presti was quick to highlight the former draft pick’s vital contributions throughout the year, noting his runner-up finish for Defensive Player of the Year.
“He drives winning on so many different levels for us. He’s a first-time All-Star, second in Defensive Player of the Year, third team All-NBA.”
“This is a guy that is intrinsically motivated. He doesn’t need people questioning him or things on the Internet to drive his improvement.”
Fighting the social media machine
Presti also addressed the persistent online discourse surrounding Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to draw fouls.
The reigning two-time league MVP frequently features in viral videos analysing his exaggerated movements to secure referee whistles.
Rather than entertain the criticism, the Thunder architect praised the Canadian guard’s resilience and two-way impact on the court.
“He’s playing against six people. He has five defenders and the sixth defender is social media.”
“It’s a reality. He’s not going to be the last player that the machine decides to target. But nobody is going to handle it as gracefully.”
The general manager further highlighted that his talismanic player is the antithesis of modern NBA complaints.
He noted that Gilgeous-Alexander received only three technical fouls all season, none of which were for complaining to officials.