Every Thunder mentioned on ESPN's awards predictions (and why they can win)

The Thunder are all over ESPN's latest predictions.

Dec 14, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) walks to the bench with forwards Chet Holmgren (7) and Jalen Williams (8) and guard Luguentz Dort (second from right) during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) walks to the bench with forwards Chet Holmgren (7) and Jalen Williams (8) and guard Luguentz Dort (second from right) during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports | Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
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Mark Daigneault: Coach of the Year

Rank: No. 2

This past season, Mark Daigneault ran away with the Coach of the Year award after receiving 89 first-place votes and 473 total points.

Considering the fact that his team etched themselves into the record books as being the youngest in league history to finish as a top-seed in a conference standings with 57 total wins (third-most since moving to Oklahoma City), this turnout shouldn't have come as a shock to anyone.

On top them having the second-best record in the entire association, as a collective the club was simply elite on both ends of the floor, as they placed third in the entire league in offensive rating, fourth in defensive rating, and second in net rating.

They also proved to be one of the quickest teams with a pace of 100.85 (fifth-fastest mark) and boasted a legitimate 10-man deep rotation that was masterfully constructed by the fifth-year headman who has only improved with every passing year.

Now, heading into 2024-25, many are expecting an even greater, more successful turnout compared to last year what with their revamped talent pool. Should they be able to do this, there should once again be little doubt that Daigneault will be the frontrunner to take home the highly sought-after hardware come season's end.

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