OKC Thunder Media Day: Daigneault – ‘we have a blank canvas staring us in the face’

With the OKC Thunder 2021 Media Day finally here, fans are getting to hear from many new additions to the club. Of course, there are returning young stars who form the core, and head coach Mark Daigneault is back for his second season with the team.

Tomorrow Daigneault’s charges will begin training camp as the bench boss gets his crew ready for the preseason when they’ll play four games.

Daigneault was one of the main topics covered by executive VP, Sam Presti in his preseason media session on Friday.

For example, the VP stated he’s excited to watch Mark Daigneault this year because he understands the passion for the way we have to build a team in Oklahoma City. Moreover, Presti praised his coach for his great ability to develop players and for taking a patient approach.

Invariably, Daigneault will be at the center of every discussion when it comes to the team needing to combine tanking with development. That’s a fine line the young coach needs to navigate.

During his presser, Presti spoke of the patience required by the organization, players, and even the fans as he constructs a future title contender.

"“That’s one thing about our city and our community. I don’t think Oklahomans expect things to be given to them. I don’t think they expect things to be handed to them. I never really heard Oklahomans talk about taking the easy way or shortcutting things or not putting in a hard day’s work or not earning what you get. And they’re definitely not about acting like they’re doing one thing and doing another.” “The most competitive thing to do, in my opinion, is to really try to do something great and build it from the ground up.”"

OKC Thunder coach Daigneault extols on youth and opportunity at media day

Head coach Mark Daigneault had plenty as he returns for his second season at the helm. The following quotes are predominantly courtesy of my partner Rylan Stiles who was attending the zoom media sessions featuring the coach and team.

Daigneault had plenty to say about his young players firstly stating they’ve put “intentional work” in this summer. He sees a  unique opportunity with this team “we have a blank canvas staring us in the face.” Says they’re excited to attack that challenge and seeing what we can make of it. The identity of the team “is unwritten at this point and that’s a great opportunity”

The bench boss also touched on how there is a village mentality in OKC that he benefits from and as for the players –  “You’re never on an island. This is a place they feel safe to be who they are.” Says they ban together with people who have/haven’t played.”

The coach said while outsiders refer to the team’s youth as a negative thing the organization views it positively because there is a real vibrancy and joy that comes with that youth. The squad is leaning into the fact they’re the youngest NBA team and will go to work daily, take no shortcuts, and while they recognize nothing is going to be easy they embrace that fact and want the work to be hard so they grow.

Diving into his roster Daigneault is thrilled to have big men who are capable playmakers noting the elite teams who are the most formidable have multiple ball handlers.

The coach also touched on staff changes and how they are former players “We have a diversity of perspectives. We just try to walk with our players. Cam, Eric, Mike that have played at this level that comes naturally. Even for the rest of our staff, we try to put ourselves in [the players] shoes.”

As questions turned to specific players he had the following to offer about specific individuals:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander:  is fully healthy and has been in the gym the past few weeks looking great. Daigneault stated, “I’m really excited for him with the contract extension, I’m excited for us.”

He also reiterated what Sam Presti said regarding the captain’s role and leadership noting SGA embodies what the Thunder are trying to build organizationally and it speaks to his high level of professionalism.

The OKC Thunder coach mentioned the last season and a half has been all about enduring and adapting to because of the pandemic. With things turning a corner it’s helpful particularly for a young squad who hasn’t been able to practice like normal.

Daigneault continued to discuss the leadership on this team citing SGA and Luguentz Dort “Certainly Shai [has the leadership qualities] we have a saying that leadership is the person doing the right thing, they’re leading in that moment. We have a lot of guys who do that. Lu Dort, is a guy that helps us stick our chest out as a team.”

Aleksej Pokusevski: The coach spoke specifically about the program Presti referenced Friday and offered the added details that POKU worked on adding strength and durability.

Derrick Favors: With training camp starting tomorrow, Daigneault updated Favors is nursing a bit of swelling in his knee but is expected to participate in training camp and take reps tomorrow.

Coach called Favors “a pro’s pro” adding “There is player development, but we are also trying to develop our program, our environment, our mentality, our behaviors, he walks the walk, those guys help us develop those team things.”

As a closing thought from the OKC Thunder coach – –  when asked about the future of the OKC Thunder he said “on the future of the team: “We’re interested in building something special. We’re interested in building something that will last.”