OKC Thunder: 3 coaching candidates with G-League background

Nate Reinking of the Canton Charge

Another G-League head coach who should draw interest from Sam Presti is Canton Charge bench boss James Reinking. He holds two important jobs as he’s also the Great Britain National team head coach.

Reinking finished third in Coach of the Year voting for the G-League after leading his Charge to a record of 29-14 prior to the pandemic ending the season. His Charge ranked fifth in offense and 13th defensively. Reinking has been the head coach of the Charge since the 2016-17 season but began his tenure with the Cavaliers G-League squad in the 2013-14 season as an assistant coach.

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As a point guard, he played his college ball with Kent State University and played professionally in England and Belgium over a 16-year career. Reinking played for the Leicester Riders,  Derby Storm, and Sheffield Sharks all of the Britsh Basketball League. In the Belgian League, he played for the Euphony Bree and Dexia Mons-Hainaut clubs.

As a former player and with the point guard mindset the 46-year old has put in his time both as a player and coach and is definitely someone Sam Presti should consider.

Closing Thoughts:

Ultimately, each of these three candidates would fit the requirements, particularly during a rebuilding phase. Of the three, Daigneault makes the most sense given his knowledge of the Thunder franchise and familiarity with the roster.

Reinking has the most experience and as a former point guard with the Thunder wanting to help Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recognize his full potential he could be a great pick.

Of the three candidates, Buford might be the most exciting and passionate, but again his lack of experience also makes him the least likely option.

The question is whether Presti wants a head coach with more experience who’ll be able to stay with the club when they want to refocus their efforts as a playoff contender.