Oklahoma City, OK – To the surprise of no one, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault is the 2023-24 NBA Coach of the Year.
It isn’t a surprise because Daigneault led the Thunder to the 1 seed in the Western Conference as the youngest 1 seed in NBA history. It has truly been a year where the Thunder have shocked the NBA world and it starts with Mark Daigneault.
He led the Thunder to a 57-25 record which was the second best record in franchise history. The Thunder also had the third ranked offense and fourth ranked defense. Being around the team, it’s’ easy to tell how he was able to lead the second youngest team in the league to the best record in the West.
“You talk about the success a team has and it starts with the coach and coaching staff.” Thunder wing Lu Dort tells BSO.
Lu continues, ”So give a lot of credit to them. He’s done a great job with us and every player individually at the same time… I feel like (COTY) should go to him.”
Yes, having very talented players helps. The Thunder have a MVP candidate in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Rookie of the Year candidate in Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams was a finalist to win the Most Improved Player award. They are extremely talented. None of this works without Mark Daigneault leading them though.
He is truly a players coach. He holds everyone accountable and gives out his fair share of tough love but he is one of the most genuine people in the NBA. He cares about his guys first. Not because they’re talented but because that’s just who he is.
In his four years as head coach of the Thunder, Daigneault has increased their win total every year. To go with that, he is the second coach in franchise history to receive the honor of Coach of the Year as Scott Brooks won back in the 2009-10 season.
Daigneault is also one of the youngest winners in NBA history.
It is truly a very deserving honor for Mark Daigneault.
