Thunder GM Presti backs Holmgren, SGA after finals loss

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti offered a strong public defense of center Chet Holmgren and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Monday, addressing criticism of both stars following the team's season-ending loss in the Western Conference Finals.

The Thunder were eliminated by the San Antonio Spurs in a seven-game series, a defeat in which Holmgren's performance became a focal point. The 24-year-old All-Star saw his production drop significantly, averaging 10.7 points and 7.1 rebounds in the series after posting 17.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per game during the regular season. His struggles culminated in a four-point, four-rebound performance on just two shot attempts in Game 7.

Presti, however, dismissed concerns about Holmgren's long-term trajectory. He emphasized Holmgren's regular-season accolades, which included his first All-Star selection, a second-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting, and a spot on the All-NBA Third Team. Presti credited Holmgren's efforts in earlier playoff rounds, specifically a sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers, as pivotal to the team's conference finals run.

"He drives winning on so many different levels for us," Presti said....