The Oklahoma City Thunder's multi-year rebuild hit rock bottom on Dec. 2, 2021.

That's the day OKC suffered a 152-79 road loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. The 73-point beatdown marked the largest margin for a game in NBA history, and the Thunder plummeted to 6-16 on the season.

That proved to be the final straw for ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, who took to his television show the following day to condemn OKC executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti.

"He's more to blame of what's become of the Thunder than their current players," Smith said. "This man had a roster with Kevin Durant, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka and Reggie Jackson, and he still couldn't win the damn chip. ... And he's had some talent since that team, too.

"Fifteen years on the job. Not one damn chip to show for it. ... I'd have told Sam Presti to run some damn sprints if I was ownership. Hell, after that, I might run his ass out of town."

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It's a good thing OKC's ownership didn't take Smith's advice.

The Thunder is second in the Western Conference standings this season with a 23-10 record. It boasts an elite young core that's led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and it could have up to 15 first-round picks in the next seven NBA Drafts.

And while OKC is still searching for its first championship in franchise history, that didn't prevent Smith from owning up to his mistake during ESPN's NBA Countdown on Wednesday.

"I don't apologize often," Smith said. "But Sam Presti, on national television, I'm going to say this. I, Stephen A. Smith, owe this man an apology. I don't give a damn about the championships right now. I can't because I'm a Knicks fan.

"To have 15 picks. To have that roster. To have them this young, playing at this level. The man is a special executive. You won't hear any questions about him from me."

More: Bill Simmons says OKC Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is 'top-5' player in the NBA

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Stephen A. Smith apologizes to OKC's Sam Presti for criticism in 2021