Pablo Torre Finds Out The Secret Album That the NBA's Best Executive Doesn't Want You to Hear (PTFO Vault)
Dec 25, 2025
Wyatt Cenac, a comedian and writer, joins acclaimed jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis to unravel the mystery of Sam Presti, the enigmatic general manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder. They explore the fascinating story behind a rare album called 'Milk Money,' a musical venture by Presti that blurs the lines between jazz and hip-hop. Branford offers insightful critiques of the tracks while drawing parallels between music and teambuilding. The conversation reveals Presti's artistic side, showcasing how his passion for jazz informs his leadership style.
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Secrecy As Competitive Advantage
- Sam Presti built secrecy into his executive brand by limiting public comments to two annual appearances and tightly controlling information.
- Treating information as currency gave him a competitive edge in roster-building and trade strategy.
Fan Finds Thunder GM's Lost CD
- Dara Mirzai found a physical CD titled Milk Money credited to Sam Presti in a discount bin and recognized Presti's voice on the recording.
- He briefly uploaded it to YouTube but removed it after people messaged him asking for it to be taken down.
Musicians Recall Recording Milk Money
- Musicians who recorded Milk Money remember Sam Presti as a humble collaborator who tracked down friends to realize his musical vision.
- They recorded between 1996–97 with a mix of jazz and hip-hop influences and later lost touch with Presti.