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NBA Executive Says OKC GM Sam Presti Will Try To Pair Victor Wembanyama With Chet Holmgren

The Oklahoma City Thunder are in full rebuild mode since parting ways with Paul George and Russell Westbrook back in 2019. The process may take some time, but they already have some of the pieces that could help turn the franchise around.

There’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who’s a good bet to make the All-Star team sooner or later. Also, Josh Giddey, who delivered a strong rookie performance last season. And of course, Chet Holmgren, the No.2 overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft who possesses some ridiculous upside with his height and length.

Having said that, OKC Thunder general manager Sam Presti isn’t quite done yet working on their rebuilding process, and seems to be eyeing the projected No.1 overall pick of the next NBA draft, 7-foot-4 French unicorn Victor Wembanyama.

According to an NBA executive who talked to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, Presti will try to form a twin tower combination of Wembanyama and Holmgren, especially after the team is expected to play this season without Holmgren, who is out for the season due a right foot injury.

So what franchise is willing to walk that path?

“[Oklahoma City Thunder executive Sam] Presti has come this far. He’s not going to stop now,” a competing executive said. “The injury to Chet [Holmgren] makes it easier. He’ll try to land twin towers with Wembanyama.”

The Thunder lost Holmgren (No. 2) for the season to a foot injury, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is working his way back from a sprained knee. Oklahoma City has accrued exciting young talent but may make an effort to finish about where they did last year (fourth-worst with 24 wins).