Thunder general manager Sam Presti said “optimize” six times in his preseason press conference Thursday.
He inserted the term into conversations about a group with as many new additions as returning players, answers about the development of young players and comments about highlighting players’ individual strengths.
“There's an art and science to managing to optimize the entire season,” Presti said.
Much of the day-in, day-out responsibility of finding that balance falls to coach Billy Donovan and his staff. They’ll likely adjust their approach on the tactical side of that equation as the season progresses. But one thing they can start now is identifying load management opportunities.