Thunder General Manager Addresses Free-Throw Narrative Around League MVP
Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti responded to questions about a narrative regarding the team's back-to-back reigning league MVP and free-throw attempts. Presti stated he has never discussed the topic with the player and noted the player drew 415 fouls during the season.
bbc.co.ukOklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti addressed questions about a narrative surrounding the team's back-to-back reigning league MVP during a Monday media session focused on the 2025-26 NBA season. Presti said he has never discussed the topic with the player. He stated the player faces five defenders plus social media as a sixth factor.
The player averaged nine free-throw attempts per game in the regular season, behind only two other players league-wide. The same player averaged 9.9 attempts across 15 playoff games before the team lost in the Western Conference Finals. Presti noted the player drew 415 fouls during the season, with 11 of those fouls challenged.
Presti said the focus should include positive contributions rather than only seeking negatives. He expressed hope that the narrative does not overshadow the player's broader impact.
