Sam Presti and the OKC Thunder took a risk when Dennis Schröder was acquired from the Hawks, in exchange for Carmelo Anthony. The Hawks needed a partner to take Schröder off their hands and conversely, the Thunder needed a partner to do the same with Anthony. Therefore, it was a dream deal for all parties involved.
With training camp around the corner, Presti spoke to the media ahead of the rest of the players and head coach. Asked about Schröder Presti made an interesting remark:
He’s only 24 and his best basketball is way in front of him, and you know, obviously for him, like maybe the biggest impact he can have on our team right away is defensively and he has the chance to be an elite defender and we’ve got to get him back to that.