How Oklahoma City's Mark Daigneault Can Win NBA's Coach of the Year Award

The Thunder's head coach finally picked up recognition a season ago, and could take the accolades a step further in 2023-24.

It was just a few years ago that Mark Daigneault was virtually unknown and thought of as a temporary head coach during Oklahoma City’s full-on rebuild. Honestly, it wasn’t until last season that fans of the NBA outside of Oklahoma City caught onto his operation. Now, Daigneault has a legitimate shot to win the NBA’s Coach of the Year Award.

He helped the Thunder lead one of the NBA’s most surprising turnarounds a season ago, which included a 16-win improvement and a play-in berth. Oklahoma City was projected to win less than 25 games heading into the season and managed to win 40 — all while missing No. 2 overall pick Chet Holmgren. Daigneault helped the team find a way to win without a true center on the roster, often using makeshift lineups and playing serious small-ball. He instilled Oklahoma City’s culture into the young group, and the team’s core will be better because of it moving forward.

The Thunder finished with the No. 13 overall defensive rating in the NBA, solidifying the team’s calling card on that end of the floor. Daigneault’s team was fourth in steals, too, staying active at all times. Oklahoma City ranked near the top of the NBA in almost every hustle stat, including deflections, shots contested, and ranking first in charges drawn.

Now with a legitimate rim protector and shot blocking threat inserted into the lineup, it’s not crazy to suggest the Thunder could manage a top-five defense in the NBA. That’s the first step towards Daigneault winning the coveted award.

Despite being carried by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for most of the season, Oklahoma City still scored 117.5 points per game, which was good for fifth in the NBA. The team’s 3-point percentage ranked just 17th, so Daigneault had to get creative. Oklahoma City ran in transition and excelled in isolation situations. With Holmgren added to the fold and a year of growth from the team’s core, the Thunder could be even more efficient offensively.

The main thing that will help Daigneault win Coach of the Year is undoubtedly wins. If the Thunder secure a top-six seed and avoid the play-in, it’s his award to lose. Most people are penciling the Thunder in around 42 wins, which is almost 20 wins higher than last year’s projections. If Oklahoma City can defy the odds once again and reach near the 50 mark, Daigneault’s Coach of the Year Award won’t be the team’s only accolade.

After last season’s run, the Thunder signed Daigneault to a multi-year extension this summer — and rightfully so. As the team gets better, his style will only bleed through more. It was evident during out-of-bounds play calls last year, when Josh Giddey threw dime after dime to slashing teammates. Those plays were courtesy of Daigneault’s bright basketball mind.

It could be a big season on deck for Oklahoma City's young squad. Daigneault will certainly be a big part of it.

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