General manager Sam Presti tried to keep expectations in check when he gave his end-of-season press conference in early May. His Oklahoma City Thunder had just completed a 47-35 effort with a first-round exit, losing to the Houston Rockets in five games. The Thunder finished with the franchise's third-youngest roster.
"The age of the team is a great foundation for us in terms of player development," Presti said. "I think we do have to be intentional with the development of the group going forward. Throughout the roster, I think there's opportunity for a lot of different guys to improve and get better.