Mark Daigneault introduced as OKC Thunder head coach – 3 takeaways

Daigneault the new era coach

Of all the major sporting leagues the NBA is the most prone to trends. When the Spurs dismantled the Heatles with a symphonic display of passing, the following season every team’s buzz words were “ball movement”.

When the Warriors Death lineup launched a new era of small ball, clubs began looking to draft players with the capacity to play and defend numerous positions.  Houston took it a step further accentuating 3-point shot attempts implemented primarily by lineups consisting entirely of players 6’6″ and under. Although the jury is still out regarding player height the obvious trend that is here to stay is every positional player has to have a 3-point shot in their arsenal.

And the trends extend into the front offices and coaching crews. The success of Nick Nurse, Erik Spoelstra, and Taylor Jenkins resulted in Nate Bjorkgren, Stephen Silas, and Steve Nash hires this offseason. Bench bosses who approach the game with creativity, can develop players (rookies and vets), and think outside the box are taking precedent.

Mark Daigneault fits the new era coach to a T. He spent the majority of his six seasons with the OKC Blue and as Presti noted owns a 143-107 record from those five seasons with the G-League squad.

Presti cited specific traits that pushed Daigneault to the top of his list:

• curious learner
• diligent worker
• creative thinker
• upmost integrity
• selflessness
• relatability to modern NBA player and modern NBA organization

Presti noted having integrity and selflessness is vital to being in a leadership role. As for the last point the VP made, it offers hints as to why Daigneault was hired and of the Thunder future.

Many expected Will Weaver would get the tap as the next Thunder head coach especially with him in OKC quarantining. I’m going to double-down on my suggestion Weaver will be a top assistant on Daigneault’s coaching crew because of his wealth of player development experience with rebuilding teams.

Daigneault has plenty of experience of his own in player development and has ties to teaching within his family and those closest to him (wife). Presti also noted Daigneault’s prowess in  teaching:

“As a basketball coach, he’s a great teacher,” Presti said. “He’s been intricately involved with our draft processes. Our player development systems have come significantly further and further each year under his purview. ”

With the potential for 15 first-round draft picks and four draft swaps over the next seven seasons Presti definitely also wanted a coach with a viewpoint on who to draft.

Daigneault has those qualities as just like Presti he started in the film room dissecting players and team sets. Not to suggest Daigneault is Presti’s doppelganger but it’s not a far-fetched idea to think Sam is hoping he and Mark will develop and grow into the next RC and Pop.