Oklahoma City and its coach have the opportunity to make history in a variety of ways next season.
In 2023–24, the Thunder topped the West Division, winning 57 games. In addition to becoming the youngest team in NBA history to win a playoff series, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault won Coach of the Year. His win made him the second Thunder coach to win the award, following Scott Brooks in the 2009–10 season.
The Thunder should be the favorite to win the Western Division next season and challenge the Boston Celtics for the NBA title. That also makes them the favorite to have the best record in the West and possibly the league.
Becoming a 60-win team is within reach and could put Daigneault in a prime position to do something that has never been done. While the NBA Coach of the Year award has been around since the 1962-63 season, no coach has ever won the award back-to-back years.
Only 12 coaches have won multiple titles, with Gregg Popovich, Larry Brown, Don Nelson and Pat Riley tied for the most wins with three each. Even if the legendary coaches fail to repeat their feat, Daigneault finds himself in a unique position.
Most Coach of the Year winners fall into two categories: surprise teams and title contenders. Last season, Oklahoma City jumped from the play-in stage to first place, making them the surprise of the season. With high expectations for next year and some key offseason additions, the Thunder and Daigneault will be firmly in the contender category in 2025.
Having some of the favorites for MVP and MIP also puts Daigneault in position to win the award again if one of his players can win something that highlights their individual success under his watch. Still, the Thunder are in one of the best positions in the league heading into next season, and Daigneault is a big reason why.
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