Thunder general manager backs Chet! Responds to Alexander's foul-drawing controversy: He faces six opponents

On June 9th Beijing time, Thunder general manager Sam Presti held a press conference, publicly backing center Chet Holmgren and dismissing persistent criticism regarding guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's frequent foul-drawing plays.

The press conference spanned more than 100 minutes, with Presti describing Holmgren as a "core part of the team." As another NBA trade window approaches, he reiterated his belief that Holmgren will be the franchise cornerstone.

"He contributes to the team's success in every aspect," Presti said. "He made his first All-Star appearance, finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting, and earned All-NBA Third Team honors. The team swept its way to the Western Conference Finals, and he played a pivotal role in the series against the Lakers."

However, during the seven-game series against the Spurs, Holmgren's performance declined significantly. He averaged 17.1 points per game in the regular season but dropped to 10.7 points per game in that series.

Over the final four games of the series, Holmgren attempted only three three-pointers. In the Game 7 loss, he recorded just 4 points and 4 rebounds. After the game, he admitted he took too few shots—only two attempts—and could have been more aggressive offensively.

"Holmgren has an incredibly strong drive to improve," Presti stated. "Outside doubts and online chatter don't need to motivate him. He never requires pushing or criticism—it's part of his inherent nature, so I'm not worried about him at all."

Presti also described Holmgren as an "underdog," noting that scouts had biases against him from high school through college. He emphasized that Holmgren fits perfectly into the Thunder's system and expressed full confidence in the player's future.

Reporters then asked about the ongoing debate surrounding Gilgeous-Alexander's foul-drawing. The two-time MVP finalist has been frequently mocked online, with viral videos highlighting exaggerated movements that resulted in whistles.

"He essentially faces six opponents," Presti responded. "There are five defenders on the court, and the sixth 'opponent' is social media."

"That's the reality. He won't be the last player targeted by league舆论, but no one handles it as calmly as he does."

Presti then listed aspects of Gilgeous-Alexander's on-court performance and personal character that deserve praise, stating that he defies many negative stereotypes of NBA players today.

"Some say 'players don't defend anymore,' but Alexander is a two-way player. We have four or five All-Defensive Team members, yet his defensive ability is often overlooked, yet he gives full effort on both ends."

"Another claim: NBA players complain constantly and use antics to pressure referees into calls. But this season he received only three technical fouls, none for arguing calls. One was for waving a towel to celebrate a teammate's basket."

Presti also mentioned that while load management is prevalent in the league, Alexander has high availability and durability. He is personable and signs about 400 autographs for fans before each game. Finally, he presented data to support his points.

"Regarding foul-drawing, he drew 415 fouls this season. Only 11 of those were challenged, and 4 of those challenges were successful—overturning the call. That means only 2.5% of his challenges succeeded. In total fouls drawn, he ranks eighth alongside Joel Embiid, behind Jaylen Brown and Victor Wembanyama. He belongs in that elite group."

Additionally, the Thunder's salary will skyrocket next season, and Presti addressed questions about the team's payroll and roster planning.

Holmgren and Jalen Williams's five-year, $239.2 million combined extension will take effect next season. The team's current payroll is $186.7 million, slightly below the luxury tax line, but it is projected to exceed $250 million next season, surpassing both the tax line and the second apron.

"Just because we're in Oklahoma City doesn't mean we shouldn't aggressively pursue goals and spend like teams on the coasts. As long as we're competitive and proven, we have the right to big ambitions. That's the competitive spirit of the entire organization, including ownership."

The team holds team options for three players next season: Isaiah Hartenstein ($28.5M), Luguentz Dort ($17.7M), and Kenrich Williams ($7.2M). If management or ownership chooses, exercising these options could significantly reduce salary obligations.

But Presti made clear the team has no mandate to cut salary. The Thunder spent years in rebuilding, ranking last in payroll twice, amassing ample financial flexibility; the local government pledged $850 million for a new arena, and the new NBA media rights deal plus imminent expansion present revenue opportunities. The team is already prepared for the salary increase.

"We originally planned a new practice facility with a site selected south of the arena, and everything was ready. But we paused that project to prioritize investment in the roster."

The Thunder hold picks No. 12, 17, and 37 in the upcoming draft, but their roster is full with no room for new players. League observers widely expect Presti to create space and trim salary to bolster the end of the rotation.

However, Presti said no decisions have been made yet.

"We might simply exercise all options and enter next season with the current roster, even with the salary spike—that possibility exists. Finalizing plans will take time; this year's process may drag longer than usual, continuing throughout the summer."

Decisions on Hartenstein's and Dort's options must be made by June 29, though the deadline can be extended by mutual agreement.

"I'll evaluate all options step by step without setting a hard timeline. With the draft approaching, we might even exceed the 15-player roster limit. If the team sees value, we'll draft a player even if we can't sign them immediately, retaining their draft rights. The process won't be quick, and the picture won't be clear at a glance."