Thunder GM Sam Presti to launch Thunder Legacy Program for former players

Before the coronavirus upended the 2019-20 NBA regular season, the Oklahoma City Thunder were set to launch something big - for former players.

The Thunder Legacy Network is an idea that came from General Manager Sam Presti last summer, Mussatto reported.

Presti told Mussatto that he came up with four pillars: relationship network among players and staff, access to health and wellness screenings, connections with local business leaders, and opportunities for community engagement.

“I’ve been a part of six different organizations, and I would say that maybe one other organization that I played for would have the thought of even doing that,” said former Thunder center Cole Aldrich, who was set to attend the event. “The other four wouldn’t want to waste time or the money to do it.”

To qualify for the program, Thunder players must, of course, be retired (that’s a given). Mussatto reported that the program would eventually include former Thunder staff members.

Eighteen former Thunder players were scheduled to return to Oklahoma City to reconnect on March 20, but the 3-day event was canceled and rescheduled for a later date.