It may have taken longer than many have expected, but the Thunder finally got their man. Believe it or not, they’ve actually had him for six years.
On Wednesday, the franchise introduced Mark Daigneault as its new head coach, bringing to a close a two-month process that began shortly after former head coach Billy Donovan was learned to be parting ways with the organization after five years.
At 35 years old, Daigneault becomes one of the youngest coaches in the league, but, as general manager Sam Presti pointed out in his press conference with reporters on Wednesday, Daigneault has a rare combination of youth and experience that should be assets as he attempts to grow with the team. It was impossible to not recognize his positive attitude and upbeat perspective — attributes that will probably resonate positively with his players.
Being introduced to reporters about a week before the draft with free agency following shortly thereafter, Daigneault doesn’t even have a full month to get his affairs in order before the team convenes for training camp on Dec. 1.
Nonetheless, the coach is ready.
“The first thing I’ll say is that every single coaching job is tough and difficult, especially in a league like the NBA that is this competitive… Any circumstance you look at with any coach in the NBA, it’s a hard job for that reason. It’s challenging.”
Many expect that the new coach’s job this coming season will be challenging, as well, as the Thunder seem to be in divestment mode with respect to some of its veteran pieces — most notably Chris Paul.
Still, the coach is comforted by the fact that Presti and his staff have spent more time talking about organizational growth than any mandate to win a certain number of games this coming season.
“I would say that the reason I feel confident — everyone’s talking about the quick turnaround time — I just interviewed with Sam and his group for a long period of time and not once did they talk about the quick turnaround time, the whole conversation was centered around the vision for the organization…
“When you’re in a place where that’s the dialogue, it gives you a lot of confidence to be able to handle tough situations, which are inevitable in the NBA.”
Now, Daigenault will need his youthful energy to help him complete the sprint to the season opener. Although Oklahoma City doesn’t tip-off its 2020-21 season until Dec. 22 at the earliest, over the next 20 days, the team will have to tackle the draft, free agency and prepare for training camps.
Despite it all, the newly installed head coach is looking forward to getting to work.
“The quick turnaround or shortened season or whatever, it’s just the world we live in right now,” he said.
“That’s why I’m so grateful to be in an organization with such a strong foundation like the Thunder.”
It has taken a while, but the Thunder finally got their man.