OKC Thunder media week: Head coach Mark Daigneault talks process/evolving roster

The youthful core:

While the coach is limited to who he can discuss based on trades being formalized it’s also fair to state he doesn’t really have a feel for the new players yet other than what he’s seen on film or witnessed in previous season’s games.

The pandemic affected how last season and the playoffs were handled but it also dramatically impacted the draft and offseason. Given those dynamics, it will take some time for the new coach to discover precisely what he has on this roster outside the returning six.

As for this iteration of the Thunder and media session, the new head coach focused primarily on the youthful quartet of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Darius Bazley, and Hamidou Diallo.

Gilgeous-Alexander role:

❝We’re going to be diligent, do the best we can, follow our process and not allow anything external or that’s outside of our control impact how we approach this.❞ – Mark Daigneault

Reading between the lines of what Daigneault said versus what was unsaid one clear takeaway was this iteration of the Thunder will be geared toward the trend of positionless basketball.

For example, the head coach wouldn’t directly say Gilgeous-Alexander will be the starting point guard, rather, he implied SGA would have the ball in his hand a lot and be creating many opportunities. That he referenced rosters are blending toward positionless ball and touched on this point a few times in his presser surely indicates that will be the emphasis for Daigneault’s offensive style.

Diallo ceiling will be tested:

An interesting common thread in Daigneault’s presser was his comments on Hamidou Diallo which were reflective of what Presti stated the day prior. Both praised how Hami fought and won a position in each of his three seasons and how they expect big things from him this year.

Clearly, coach and GM have earmarked this as a make or break year for Diallo and it certainly sounds like he’ll be given every opportunity to take the next step.

Dort’s challenge:

As for the other stand out Canadian and biggest surprise from last season, the head coach spoke glowingly of Luguentz Dort. He noted how much Dort is respected based on an earned reputation. Daigneault said this season will be different for Dort as opponents will game plan for him now, having witnessed his rapid ascent at season end and in the playoffs.

Rising star Bazley:

While there is one cornerstone, arguably that could become a duo with the continued ascent of Darius Bazley. Based upon his own media session the Thunder forward appears ready for the challenge.

There are already comparisons occurring between SGA and Bazley in terms of their ability to learn and adapt quickly. They’ll need to continue showcasing those skills given the new roles each will assume in this new era of OKC Thunder basketball.

Daigneault noted how quickly the forward processed systems and immediately translated those lessons by executing on the court. He re-iterated Presti’s “resiliency’ hot phrase and stated if Bazley is able to balance showing resiliency to quickly adapt after defeats while staying humble in successes he’ll continue to grow.