Presti not expecting Thunder downturn despite departures

Sam Presti emphasized that the Oklahoma City Thunder can remain competitive even after losing key pieces in the offseason. The team’s current 64–18 record, first‑place standing in the Western Conference, and league‑leading power ranking underscore that they are still among the elite, with a net rating of +11.1 and a 7–3 finish over their last ten games despite a recent two‑game losing streak.

The Thunder’s confidence aligns with recent comments from Presti about the promise of the young core, and it comes as the NBA’s 2026 power rankings show a razor‑thin battle for the top spot. Off‑court developments, such as Lupita Nyong’o’s investment in the Nairobi City Thunder, highlight growing interest in the franchise, but the on‑court outlook remains focused on maintaining the high level of play that has defined the season so far.