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

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Not to put too much pressure on the young men, but in essence, they will step into similar roles that Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook held in the early years of the franchise.

And, that’s not to say any of us should expect Shai or Darius to ascend to that level of production and stardom. Rather, that they have earned the right to be considered the core of the future, to embrace being young leaders and the next step will most definitely be defined by their own choices and efforts.

Like Presti, the new head coach reiterated the mandate will be to allow for freedom within the roster in terms of finding success. For the first time in the franchise’s existence, the club isn’t built and centered around a superstar(s).

How this team and Mark Daigneault approach the coming season could be very telling. There will be ample room for the roster’s bevy of youngsters to seize opportunities.

Likewise, the new coach will be looking to create his own mark in the franchise. Based on how he navigates the club through this initial ‘resiliency’ phase could very well define what his legacy in OKC will ultimately become.