After distinguishing Mike Brown last season, theNBA Coaches Association chose Mark Daigneault for the coach of the year trophy. Aged 39, the Thunder coach led his franchise to the West for the first time with the second-youngest roster in the NBA. Since the Suns of Mike D'Antoni and Steve Nash in 2005, never has such a young team finished at the top of the Western Conference.
In three seasons, Daigneault took OKC from 24 to 57 regular season wins, and like the Celtics, his team ranks in the Top 5 for best offenses and best defenses. The Thunder are also number 1 for 3-point skill, without having any outside shooting stars.
Elected by his peers, Daigneault is ahead of JB Bickerstaff (Cavaliers), Chris Finch (Wolves), Joe Mazzulla (Celtics) and Jamahl Mosley (Magic). An award which makes him the big favorite for the Coach Of The Year trophy, elected by the North American press. Last season, journalists allowed Mike Brown to achieve the double.
