When asked about what makes Oklahoma City Thunder coach Mark Daigneault good at his job, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander initially joked by saying he’s annoying and always nagging. However, he then shifted to a more serious tone.
According to Gilgeous-Alexander, the best thing about Daigneault is that he sets a standard for everyone on the team, regardless of their role or how long they’ve been with the team.
This standard applies both on and off the court, contributing to the team’s culture and unity.
Daigneault’s leadership qualities were recognized as he was named NBA Coach of the Year at the age of 39. He earned this honor by guiding one of the league’s youngest teams to the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
Daigneault is only the second coach in Thunder history to win this award, joining Scott Brooks who won it in 2010.
The other finalists for the award were Minnesota’s Chris Finch and Orlando’s Jamahl Mosley. Finch led the Timberwolves to a successful season with a 56-26 record and secured the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs after going through the play-in tournament the previous year.
Meanwhile, Mosley helped the Magic improve significantly, achieving a 47-35 record this season compared to their 34-48 record the previous season.
Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers, who earned the Coach of the Year title with Orlando in 2001, expressed his admiration for Daigneault’s achievements this season.
“Working with a group of young players and getting them to commit to a championship-level mindset is quite challenging,” Rivers remarked before the Thunder defeated the Bucks late in the regular season. “And the proof is evident because not many young teams reach their level of success. It’s an easy call for me.”
Before becoming the Thunder’s head coach in 2020, Daigneault spent five years leading the Thunder’s G-League team, where he had considerable success with four playoff appearances and three division titles.
Under Daigneault’s leadership, the Thunder showed signs of improvement after a challenging start. In his first year as head coach, the team went 22-50, followed by a 24-58 record in his second year.
However, there was a noticeable turnaround last season, with the Thunder finishing at 40-42 and reaching the play-in tournament. Daigneault’s efforts earned him second place in the Coach of the Year voting.
This season, the Thunder achieved a remarkable 57-25 record and secured a tie for the best record in the Western Conference on the final day of the regular season.
Daigneault’s success is partly attributed to the exceptional young talent on the team. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 25, emerged as a standout player, finishing third in the league with an average of 30.1 points per game and being named a finalist for the Most Valuable Player award.
Additionally, Jalen Williams, a first-round pick in 2022, made significant contributions, averaging 19.1 points per game this season after being the runner-up for Rookie of the Year last season.
Meanwhile, Josh Giddey, selected sixth overall in 2021, showcased his versatility by averaging 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game this season.
Chet Holmgren has been a significant addition to the team. The second pick in the 2022 draft missed the entire previous season due to a foot injury.
However, this season, the 7-foot-1 center showcased his skills, averaging 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. His versatility has been valuable, making him a finalist for Rookie of the Year.
Sacramento’s Mike Brown, who was the unanimous Coach of the Year last season and won with Cleveland in 2009, praised Daigneault for quickly building a strong team with the talent provided by general manager Sam Presti.
Daigneault’s communication skills have also earned him praise from players like Williams. Williams highlighted how Daigneault’s ability to relate to the players makes them more willing to listen and play hard for him.
Additionally, Williams emphasized Daigneault’s passion for the game and his meticulous preparation for each game, which motivates the players.
Daigneault emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating that everyone is working together towards the same goal, regardless of where the ideas come from. He values input from players and staff alike, emphasizing the collective effort to move in the right direction.
