Turkish team Fenerbahce Ulker visited Oklahoma City on Friday night with NBA connections all over the roster and a Thunder connection in the front office.
The team's general manager, Maurizio Gherardini, was hired by the Thunder in 2013. He left for his current position in May 2014.
But during his brief time with the organization, Gherardini — a former Toronto Raptors executive who is viewed in high regard by the international basketball community — came away impressed with the OKC operation.
He also joined the growing list of decision-makers that have, at some time, been connected to the Thunder's tree.