Mark Daigneault keeps 100 on the Nuggets’ offseason additions
OKLAHOMA CITY — Earlier Oklahoma City Thunder Ousmane Dieng’s winning hat-trick in the pre-season finalehead coach Mark Daigneault got a first look at Denver Nuggets‘ new offseason additions on Friday. From wing production, size and shooting, the Nuggets addressed every need over the summer — trading for Cameron Johnson, signing Tim Hardaway Jr., Jonas Valanciunas and Bruce Brown to respective contracts.
After a 94-91 win in the Thunder’s preseason finale, Daigneault addressed the Nuggets the newest players.
“They played well — Denver did. There was an edge to them. They’ve played well all preseason; they’re definitely prepared and ready for the regular season. You can tell there’s a hunger in how they approach them,” Daigneault said. “As far as players go, all four of those new guys are very familiar faces. They’ve been in the NBA for a long time. So there were no surprises there. They know their game and play it well. They’re new.
“So they’re a good team that’s playing well in a season that we respect a lot.
Hardaway Jr. connected on four 3-pointers en route to 13 points, and Brown added 10 points, five rebounds and two assists. Johnson finished with nine points, six rebounds and four assists, and Valanciunas had five points, five rebounds and two blocks.
Marc Daigneault on Chet Holmgren’s preseason debut
Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on Chet Holmgren’s gains in training camp before Holmgren’s preseason debut on Friday. Thunder head coach Marc Daigneault reacted to the new star’s preseason, especially alongside Isaiah Hartenstein in the starting lineup on Friday, from an individual standpoint as well.
“It’s growing,” Daigneault said. “I’ve played a lot of games with those guys on the court together at times. More than that tonight. I thought Chet showed he had great summers. He’s a great worker in the summer — he’s done a great job with his body. He’s always sharp about his game. I thought that showed tonight. I was excited to see him play with him tonight, and he just lost his approach, that.”
Holmgren is entering his fourth season with the Thunder.
2025-10-18 23:02:00
