Oklahoma City Thunder’s head coach Mark Daigneault secured the NBA’s Coach of the Year accolade on Sunday night, surpassing contenders Orlando Magic’s Jamahl Mosley and Minnesota Timberwolves’ Chris Finch.
Daigneault, now in his fourth season leading the Thunder, steered the team to the apex of the Western Conference standings despite fielding one of the league’s youngest rosters this season.
Mark Daigneault Named 2023-24 NBA Coach of the Year pic.twitter.com/IpHmgOvcHI
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) April 28, 2024
“I’ve used the word uncommon with this team all year, and the reason I think they’re so uncommon is they have incredible ambition,” Daigneault expressed during an interview with TNT on Sunday.
“They care about their individual careers, they work hard individually, but they also really appreciate each other’s success and they root for each other, they’re behind each other and we’ve done everything together all year.”
Daigneault’s victory was resounding, clinching 89 of the 100 first-place votes and accumulating 473 total points. Mosley, guiding Orlando back to the playoffs after a four-year hiatus, secured second place with four first-place votes and 158 points, while Finch, leading Minnesota to its second-highest win total in franchise history (56), secured third place with a single first-place vote and 105 total points.
Among other notable contenders, Boston Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla finished fourth, followed by New York Knicks’ Tom Thibodeau in fifth place. Miami Heat’s Erik Spoelstra, the sole other coach to receive a first-place vote, wrapped up the top six.
Daigneault becomes the fourth recipient of a league-endorsed award this week, joining Tyrese Maxey (Most Improved Player), Stephen Curry (Clutch Player), and Naz Reid (Sixth Man of the Year). Over the forthcoming weeks, the NBA is set to unveil its Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, and Rookie of the Year honorees, alongside its All-NBA, All-Defensive, and All-Rookie Teams.
A look back at Daigneault’s coaching journey
Daigneault’s path to becoming a Coach of the Year wasn’t an overnight success story. He spent five seasons honing his coaching skills as the head coach of the Oklahoma City Blue, the Thunder’s G League affiliate.
Daigneault’s coaching career officially commenced in 2007 when he joined the University of Florida as a graduate assistant under renowned head coach Billy Donovan. During his time with the Gators, Daigneault played a pivotal role in various aspects of the program, gaining valuable experience and honing his coaching skills under Donovan’s mentorship.
In 2012, Daigneault transitioned to the NBA, embarking on a new chapter as a player development coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder. His tenure with the Thunder marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership with the organization, as he steadily ascended through the ranks, assuming roles of increasing responsibility and making significant contributions to the team’s success.
Daigneault’s dedication and expertise did not go unnoticed, and in 2020, he was appointed as the head coach of the Oklahoma City Blue, the Thunder’s G League affiliate. Under his leadership, the Blue thrived, showcasing a competitive spirit and a commitment to player development that mirrored Daigneault’s coaching philosophy.
Throughout his career, Daigneault has garnered widespread acclaim for his strategic acumen, leadership qualities, and ability to cultivate talent.
