Terry vs Maledon

[Playmaker]

In part, yes.

But, it came out later that Presti didn't quite understand another option that could've solved the problem without giving up Harden. I would say understanding the CBA and constantly doing creative things with contracts (like Nelson does) is another way by which we can judge GM's, nay? 

And, while Presti drafted Harden, it's pretty clear in hindsight that even he (they) didn't know what they had. Morey did, and made the great move to acquire him. Looking back, why weren't the Thunder in the process of reorganizing around Harden as a core piece (along with Durrant) instead of bringing him off the bench and ultimately deciding he was the most expendable of the three? Isn't it crystal clear by now that Westbrook was the (relative) dud? 

And, let's say we think the OKC small market problems are holding him back (they probably are). Why hasn't a better franchise in a larger market saved him yet? Morey is so good he can literally run his team into the ground on a blockbuster deal he doesn't want to make, bail on the fallout of that and then get hired in an even better city with an even more storied franchise weeks later. If Presti was available next summer, are we sure he'd even be offered another shop, or do we think he'd have to work under someone for a while, first?

My opinion is that he's a small town GM for a small town team. He does some things really well, but really, he's got his job not because he's the best, but because he's one of the best who you can get for a cheap price.

The Lakers were after Presti when they had a GM opening.  So were the Knicks, as well as several others.   Would leave OKC to work in that enviroment and with those owners?