Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti used a marathon post‑game press conference to reaffirm his faith in Chet Holmgren after the team fell in seven games to San Antonio. Presti highlighted Holmgren’s All‑Star, Defensive Player of the Year runner‑up, and third‑team All‑NBA honors, insisting the center remains a franchise cornerstone.

Holmgren’s production dipped from 17.1 points per game in the regular season to 10.7 in the series, and he finished Game 7 with just four points and four rebounds. Presti dismissed the slump, saying Holmgren is “intrinsically motivated” and doesn’t need external criticism to improve. The GM also referenced the scout doubts that followed Holmgren from high school, labeling him an “underdog” who fits the Thunder’s identity.

When pressed about Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander’s foul‑drawing reputation, Presti noted the guard attracted 415 fouls this year, with only eleven challenges and four overturns—a 2.5% success rate. He praised Shai’s two‑way play, durability, and community engagement, pointing out the guard’s three technical fouls stemmed from a supportive towel wave rather than gamesmanship.

Looking ahead, Presti addressed looming salary‑cap pressure as Holmgren and Jalen Williams each secured five‑year extensions worth $239.2 million. The Thunder sit just above the luxury tax and hold team options on three contracts, giving them flexibility to trim payroll or retain talent while the organization plans a new practice facility and arena development.