Thunder general manager Sam Presti was among those who Spurs legend Tony Parker thanked in his jersey retirement speech Monday night.
Before Presti joined the Thunder franchise, hired as the Seattle SuperSonics general manager at just 30 years old, he spent seven years working for the Spurs. As a scout, Presti was instrumental in San Antonio drafting Parker No. 28 overall in the 2001 NBA Draft.
“Sam, I know you’re in the arena,” Parker said Monday, illuminated by a spotlight in the middle of the court. “Man, you and R.C. (Buford, former Spurs general manager and current CEO), You were ahead of your time.