The 2023 NBA draft is over, and the Oklahoma City Thunder added a pair of rookies to their roster.
After completing a trade with the Dallas Mavericks, the Thunder acquired Kentucky guard Cason Wallace with the No. 10 pick of the first round. The Thunder added Kansas State forward Keyontae Johnson with the No. 50 pick of the second round.
Afterward, Thunder general manager Sam Presti held his post-draft press conference along with the Director of Amateur Evaluation Acie Law. Both spoke about the Thunder’s latest additions, as well as a wide variety of other topics.
Let’s look at the biggest quotes and takeaways from Presti’s late-night presser following the draft.
Sam Presti & Acie Law are here pic.twitter.com/IfLId2hxli
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) June 23, 2023
Sam Presti said he can't specifically talk about their trade with the Mavericks, but can talk about the players they drafted
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) June 23, 2023
Sam Presti said they're always looking for the best player/fit for the Thunder, notes how he looks into characteristics
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) June 23, 2023
Sam Presti on Keyontae Johnson's health history: "We were obviously very comfortable with all the information… We didn't have any concerns with that."
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) June 23, 2023
Acie Law said he thinks Keyontae Johnson could be a player who could contribute right away
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) June 23, 2023
Sam Presti on Cason Wallace: "His defensive metrics are pretty impressive."
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) June 23, 2023
Acie Law on Cason Wallace: "He's a highly intelligent player. He's an extremely tough player. He's competitive."
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) June 23, 2023
Sam Presti on Will Dawkins' departure to the Wizards: "I'm super proud and excited for him. He's already off to a great start obviously… I think he's great and I think he's going to do great."
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) June 23, 2023
Sam Presti mentions how Cason Wallace playing "no-agenda basketball" really caught his eye when he started to look into him
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) June 23, 2023
Sam Presti: “We’re extremely excited to have Cason and Keyontae join the team.”
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) June 23, 2023
Sam Presti is talking about how he thinks 2-Way playmakers amplify the team, like they saw last year, and is what they found Cason
— TF (@ThunderFocus) June 23, 2023
Sam Presti on BPA vs need “for us, we are always looking for the best player for the Thunder. Who is the best fit for the organization?”
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) June 23, 2023
Sam Presti on Cason Wallace: “He was a football player when he was younger. I think you see some of those secondary instincts in him when you watch him.”
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) June 23, 2023
Sam Presti when asked if Cason Wallace and Jalen Williams are similar as both do so many things well:
“They both play both ends. They both do things that drive winning.
They’re well rounded players who fit the play style we’re building.”
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) June 23, 2023
Sam Presti on drafting best player available vs fit: “We’re always looking for the best player for the Thunder. And the best fit for the organization. Really looking for certain characteristics.
Off the court, he’s consistent with the type of people we try to associative with.”
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) June 23, 2023
