Presti on Roberson Return: “We’ve Got to Cross That Next Bridge”

This afternoon Sam Presti held a video press conference with Thunder media to discuss many topics including Lu Dort’s future with the team and Andre Roberson’s injury stats

Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, the beard is gone, per Andrew Schlecht

On a conference call right now….. and I can confirm that Sam Presti no longer has a beard

— Andrew Schlecht (@AndrewKSchlecht) June 7, 2020

Lu Dort Contract

Dort’s phenomenal rise for the OKC Thunder was quickly halted by this pandemic. With only a few days left on his two-way contract, it’s still unclear to Presti and the Thunder organization how this will be handled.

• “We’re awaiting some clarity on that. There’s still conversations taking place between the players association and the league. We have plenty of time before we’re heading to Orlando.”
• “He’s clearly someone we want going forward. That could be something that happens in the short term or later. I don’t know. But we’ll look for ways to make that happen.”

Andre Roberson Injury

With news bubbling that Roberson could be ready by the set July 31st reboot to the season, Presti was asked about his current situation.

• “The time has really helped Dre, from a health point he’s doing really well. We are in a better place than we were on March 11th… but we have to cross the next bridge.”

It’s unlikely Roberson has played full contact basketball and will need considerable practice time before he can be an impact.

The Disney World Bubble

• “It’s awesome we can do this, and it’s helpful, but it’s important these other issues don’t get ignored. I’m excited about the opportunity, but there’s a lot of other work to do in these other areas. We can’t lose sight of that.”

While we finally have a set date, there will be considerable precautions within the organization regarding COVID-19. No updates from the Thunder GM regarding their eight-game regular season schedule.

• “I don’t have hard information on what it is. I do think it will look something like the schedule we had remaining, but you have other factors (teams needing to play additional games).”

Oklahoma City Protests

As protests continue across the country, Presti made his stance clear on the situation.

• “When we entered this hiatus, we did it w/ a specific goal to come out of it more connected. With the events reverberating from the murder of George Floyd, that’s taken on another meaning. The listening and what we take from these moments has to drive sustainable change once the moment ceases a little bit. What’s this look like to scale this over a period of years and not just let it be a short-term solution to something that’s been systemic.”

Full statement from Erik Horne

Thunder GM Sam Presti on the protests in Oklahoma City, nationwide, says there's "a lot of opportunity here."

"What sacrifices are we willing to make to lift others?" pic.twitter.com/pV5IoqJjWZ

— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) June 7, 2020