Presti expects a `really good year' out of Paul
The question has been looming ever since the Thunder acquired Chris Paul, along with a package of first-round draft picks, for Russell Westbrook:
How long will the 34-year-old point guard be with the Thunder?
On Thursday, Thunder general manager Sam Presti got his first shot at answering that question publicly, when he sat down in front of local media for his first press conference since NBA Draft night a month ago.
“You know, honestly, I can't give you a forecast on how many years or anything like that,” Presti said, “especially after some of this transition we're going through right now. But I would say that we're excited about having him here. He's excited about the opportunity here. And I think he has an opportunity to really impact the team in a positive way.”
It appears increasingly likely that Paul will at least start the season with the Thunder.
That was not the case immediately after the trade, which OKC and Houston agreed to two weeks ago.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Rockets had hoped to find a thirdparty destination for Paul in the initial trade.
Paul posted a farewell message to Houston on Instagram Wednesday, finishing with “I'm excited to be joining @ okcthunder next season and for this new opportunity to compete alongside my Thunder teammates. I started my NBA career playing in Oklahoma City with the New Orleans Hornets and I look forward to returning!”
A photo of Paul working out in Thunder gear appeared on @
TheNBACentral's Twitter account later that day.
“I do know that I think he's going to have a really good year for us,” Presti said Thursday, “and I do think he's excited about the opportunity to have an impact on the team.”
`Big deal'
Presti pitched the value of the draft picks and two veteran players ( Paul and Danilo Gallinari), that OKC acquired in
exchange for trading away its two superstars. But he put extra emphasis on second-year guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“To get Shai is a big deal for us,” Presti said.
In his rookie year with the Clippers, GilgeousAlexander averaged 10.8 points, 3.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. With Gilgeous-Alexander starting at point guard, the Clippers extended their first- round series against the Warriors to six games, all before
Gilgeous-Alexander turned 21.
“We're really excited about him,” Presti said. “I think he's not really even scratching the surface. … I think he's got tremendous makeup, and that's a big — I think that's going to be a big accelerator for ultimately how good a player he becomes, and I think he has that. He's got great size and great length, and he's a sponge.”
The Thunder received Gilgeous-Alexander, Gallinari and a package of picks from the Clippers for Paul George earlier this month. George requested the trade so he could join then- free agent Kawhi Leonard in L.A.
Thunder waives Grantham
The Thunder has waived two- way player Donte Grantham, the team announced Thursday.
OKC signed Grantham to a two-way contract in December, making room for the sharp- shooting forward by waiving center Tyler Davis.
The Thunder likely is making a similar move by waiving Grantham. OKC has one spot open for a two-way contract, after signing undrafted free agent Luguentz Dort to a two-way deal just before Summer League earlier this month.
Grantham averaged less than a minute in three games for the Thunder, but he logged 10.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and one steal per game for the Blue, the Thunder's G League affiliate.
On track
Thunder guard Andre Roberson is still on track to return at the start of the season, according to Presti.
Roberson hasn't played a game since Jan. 27, 2018, when he ruptured his left patellar tendon. He has had multiple setbacks in his recovery.