General Manager Sam Presti kicked off the new season by honoring Russell Westbrook’s legendary career and celebrating the lasting impact of key veterans recently departed for new teams.
Oklahoma City Thunder fans, basketball is back.
The 2026-2027 season unofficially kicked off on Thursday morning when Oklahoma City Thunder General Manager Sam Presti met with members of the media for his annual preseason press conference.
As is tradition, Presti began his opening statement by thanking Thunder fans. There was a twist this year, though. Presti pivoted quickly to acknowledging three beloved former OKC players who landed on new teams this summer.
"I want to just recognize the contributions of Lu, Wiggs and Isaiah," Presti said of Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe. "Those players were not just great players for us, but they were tremendous professionals, and also real, real assets to the community. Just great human beings. We're very grateful for their contributions, and also want to wish them the best of luck in their new situations and know they'll do great."
Dort, Wiggins and Joe weren't the only former OKC players that Presti shouted out. He took a moment to recognize the biggest legend in Thunder team history.
"I also want to take a moment to congratulate Russell on just an unbelievable career, Hall of Fame career," Presti said of Russell Westbrook. "We're very fortunate that a lot of those years took place in Oklahoma City. Much has been talked about with respect to his on-court play, but I think his attitude, his mentality, those types of things also were huge boosts to our community, and I think we're well-regarded, and obviously his involvement today here is still pretty remarkable. So we're really excited and happy for him."
One of the most discussed storylines after news broke of Westbrook's retirement was how the Thunder would honor the Oklahoma City icon. Presti revealed there are some plans in the works.
"I know people might want to ask me later on if we have plans or what we're going to do to recognize him. I can tell you we don't have a firm plan yet, but we're certainly working on that. We want to make sure it's done with great intention, and we'll fill you in when we have a chance."
In the meantime, there is another OKC inspired honor headed Westbrook's way.
"I do want to mention that on November 2, Russell will be honored by the Memorial," Presti said. "We're having the Day One Luncheon. We have it every year. It's the countdown to the anniversary of the bombing. He'll be there. Hopefully people will come out, buy the tables, support the cause, and we hope to see everybody there."
