Sam Presti: The "ghost in the machine" of Thunder is finance, not NBA aprons

== sync, corrected by elderman == @elder_man

Context: Interrupted title defence and a summer of change

The Oklahoma City Thunder come into the pre-season with an open question about how far their core can go. On Thursday, during its annual preseason news conference, general manager Sam Presti said that the senior team has "another level" to reach.

Development: cuts of more than US$ 300 mislands and return of Jalen Williams

The changes included the replacement of incumbent Lu Dort and reserves Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins.$ 300 mThe decision changes the financial profile of the team and creates a leaner foundation for the next cycle.

Within the cast, the general manager expressed confidence in the championship core formed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams .

Williams' health is a focal point. Last season, he played in only 38 games due to injuries, including a strain on the back of his thigh that limited him during the playoff series against San Antonio. Presti stated that the player is fine: "He looks fantastic.

Latest statements: 'other level' and financial warning

Speaking about the future, Presti went back to his previous team's performance: "I think last year's team had another level. I think we could have reached a different level. But in due time, as I said before, this particular group of players, if they stay healthy and spend time together, has a chance to be as good or better than any team that we've ever had".

He also detailed confidence in the core: "We have three players, two of whom are not yet at their peak and are All-NBA, and the other is MVP in two consecutive seasons [Gilgeous-Alexander], who only gets better at his peak".

The second apron and the real long-term limit

Presti rejected generalizations about how the NBA's second apron affects roster building across the league. "When people talk about the aprons, everyone talks about it from a very small point of view because it affects each team differently based on where they start and what their timeline is", he said.

He then separated the subject of rule from actual concern: "For us, the ghost in the machine is finance, not so much aprons. I've probably been saying this for three years now". Of course it's a changing dynamic, but in 2012 they introduced Rose Rule and repeater tax, and that was a breakthrough. It took time for people to settle down and adapt.

Current phase: healthy core, reduced leaf and attention to the box

The current phase of the Thunder combines three elements: a core champion still young in part, a cast that has gone through cuts of more than US$ 300 mFor Presti, the team has room to level up, but the long-term challenge is more in financial control than the second apron itself.

For the fans, it's a fresh start based on core champions: less room for big spending, more focus on key players' health and a pre-season season that serves as a test to see if the group can reach the "other level" cited by the general manager.