How Robert Caro Inspires OKC’s Championship Journey

Fresh off their first-ever NBA title, the Oklahoma City Thunder, under the astute leadership of General Manager Sam Presti, are already looking to the future. Presti, known for his reserved nature yet exhaustive annual preseason news conferences, has a unique tradition of sharing his eclectic reading list – and one author, legendary historian Robert Caro, consistently stands out as a guiding force.

Sam Presti’s Unique Annual Tradition

Sam Presti operates largely behind the scenes, yet his annual preseason press conferences are a highly anticipated event. These sessions, often spanning two hours, are a rare public window into the mind of perhaps the NBA’s most highly regarded executive. A particular highlight for many locals and media members is Presti’s tradition of sharing what he’s been reading.

His literary tastes are famously diverse, ranging from the essays of Joan Didion and French architect Le Corbusier to baseball legend Ted Williams’ “The Science of Hitting.” In previous years, he’s delved into subjects as varied as jazz drummer Art Blakey and Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton. However, it’s his recurring admiration for Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Robert Caro that has become a cornerstone of the Thunder’s organizational philosophy.

The “Turn Every Page” Mantra Guiding OKC

Presti’s vocal appreciation for Robert Caro began in 2020, when he referenced tackling Caro’s monumental “Master of the Senate.” But it was before the Thunder’s inaugural championship season on September 24, 2024, that Presti explicitly adopted Caro’s iconic philosophy as a guiding principle. Caro’s mantra, “You have to turn every single page,” emphasizes exhaustive research and understanding every iteration of a problem or possibility.

For the Thunder, this translates into an unwavering commitment to exploring every potential pathway for team growth, both now and in the future, ensuring no opportunity is overlooked. Presti reiterated this principle multiple times, highlighting the importance of staying curious and open to discovery. After their championship win, he further emphasized the need to “turn every page” in their pursuit of progress, not just adulation.

Interestingly, Presti also applied a nuanced play on the phrase as the team prepared for its 18th season. He emphasized “turning the page” from the success of the previous championship season, stating, “We have to voluntarily divorce ourselves from the success of last season or it will hold us back.” This duality—meticulously “turning every page” for discovery while consciously “turning the page” on past achievements for renewal—perfectly encapsulates the Thunder’s relentless pursuit of excellence.

Presti’s “Page Turning” Philosophies for the Thunder

Robert Caro’s Influence Extends Beyond OKC

Robert Caro’s monumental biographies, including his four-volume series on Lyndon Johnson and “The Power Broker” on Robert Moses, are renowned for their meticulous detail, a testament to his “turn every page” approach. His work has sold millions of copies, won multiple Pulitzer Prizes, and garnered admiration from figures as diverse as Conan O’Brien and former President Bill Clinton.

Within the NBA, Presti isn’t alone in his admiration. San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is also a fan, as is Sam Hinkie, the former Philadelphia 76ers GM behind “The Process.” Hinkie, who named his investment firm “87 Capital” after Caro’s “Means of Ascent,” even runs a book club dedicated to Caro’s work. To Hinkie, Caro is a “one-in-a-million writer, and a one-in-a-billion researcher,” whose method translates perfectly to the open-minded curiosity required for successful team building.

The Historian’s Love for the Game

At 89, Robert Caro himself is a passionate basketball fan, especially devoted to his New York Knicks. He vividly recalls details from the 1970 NBA Finals, particularly Walt Frazier’s iconic 36 points and 19 assists in Game 7. Caro’s own “terrific jump shot” days ended with a back injury in his 30s, but his love for the game has endured, serving as a lifelong backdrop to his intense work ethic.

The “turn every page” philosophy, which has become so central to the Thunder’s success, originated from Caro’s early days as a reporter for Newsday. His managing editor, Alan Hathaway, instilled in him the absolute necessity of thoroughness: “Just remember one thing — turn every page, never assume anything, turn every goddamn page.” This principle has guided Caro through millions of documents in presidential libraries, enabling him to uncover truths others missed. He is genuinely touched that his motto resonates so deeply with an organization like the Thunder, though he humbly notes, “it’s players and coaches that win championships — not authors.”

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the “turn every page” philosophy?
  It’s a mantra originated by historian Robert Caro, emphasizing exhaustive research, meticulous detail, and exploring every possible angle or piece of information without making assumptions.
• How does Sam Presti apply this to the OKC Thunder?
  Presti uses it as a guiding principle for team building, talent evaluation, and strategic planning, ensuring the organization remains curious, open-minded, and explores all potential avenues for improvement and sustained success.
• Who is Robert Caro?
  Robert Caro is a legendary, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning American historian and biographer, best known for his multi-volume biography of Lyndon B. Johnson and “The Power Broker,” a biography of Robert Moses.
• Is the Thunder the only NBA team influenced by Caro?
  No, other prominent NBA figures like Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs) and Sam Hinkie (former Philadelphia 76ers GM) are also known admirers of Caro’s work and his meticulous approach.
• What is the difference between “turn every page” and “turning the page”?
  “Turn every page” refers to Caro’s mantra for exhaustive inquiry. “Turning the page” (as used by Presti) refers to moving on from past successes and focusing on the present and future for continuous renewal and improvement.

For Oklahoma City locals, the Thunder’s embrace of Robert Caro’s “turn every page” philosophy is more than just an abstract concept; it’s a testament to the dedication, curiosity, and relentless pursuit of excellence that defines our championship-winning franchise. It’s a reminder that true success comes not from resting on laurels, but from a continuous, detailed, and open-minded approach to every challenge and opportunity.

Presti Cites Caro as Guide for Thunder Future