As under-thinking continues to be embedded in Mark Daigneault, OKC’s culture

An incredible 12 out of 16 Oklahoma City Thunder players under the coach Mark Daigneault they spent time in the G League, a trend that runs through the culture of the defending champions. From Lou Dort to the two-time champion and all-defensive guard in veteran Alex Caruso, whose N.B.A he started his career with Daigneault and Oklahoma City Blue — the Thunder’s G League affiliate, many OKC players come from humble beginnings.

Daigneault, who coached the Blues from 2014 to 2019, credits Thunder president of basketball operations Sam Presti and the front office for their due diligence in selecting players WHO fits Daigneault and Thunder’s beliefs.

“We’re getting great guys. Not all players are the same, and Sam and his group do a great job of identifying people who will naturally align with the things we emphasize, which creates a lot more momentum when that’s the case,” Daigneault said. “And they’ve done a great job with that for a long time. The other thing is that the things that we emphasize are not just systemic things, but we want the fundamentals that we emphasize.”

“We want some of the more important things we emphasize, like competitive mentality and professionalism. The idea is to make those things win/win. In theory, those things should help us be successful as a team, but they should also help each player, individually, build a good career.”

Aligning the players’ personal goals with the Thunder’s approach is part of Daigneault’s process as he seeks what’s best for both in the midst of growth.

“I think that’s part of the reason why there’s such a commitment to it as well, because most of the things we’re trying to emphasize are things that can also improve their individual trajectories as well as improve the team’s,” Daigenault added. “So you don’t have to choose what’s good for you and what’s good for the team. You choose something that’s good for both of you. We really try to present things that way and identify things that fit those categories.”

A player’s personality also affects how well he fits in with his new Thunder teammates. It’s all relative for Thunder head coach Marc Daigneault when it comes to getting the best out of prospects, while shaping individual results into what’s best for the team’s success.

Aaron Wiggins on Thunder’s humble beginnings

Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins remembers when his team was far from the upper echelon of the Western Conference. As did Thunder head coach Marc Daigneault, who took over as head coach in 2020-21, so it was no surprise to hear the All-Star forward Jaylen Williams reminded reporters that improvement is critical for the defending champion. Winning a championship hasn’t changed that amid the Thunder’s culture.

Wiggins talked about the Thunder’s closeness as teammates and how many of them have G League backgrounds.

“I think there’s a commonality that comes from just knowing that the road to this point hasn’t always been glitz and glamour,” Wiggins said. “It was a struggle, and you had to earn your stripes. You had to make it here. And we’ve got a big group of our guys that have come down that path. Hartenstein, I-Joe — second-round picks, undrafted guys — guys that started in the G League and just eventually carved out a role.

“That’s something we all understand and can’t take for granted. We’re grateful for our individual journeys, and there’s a togetherness that comes when we’re in the gym together. It’s something we talk about a lot. Those guys who had to fight and fight their way to an opportunity and a role and had to, obviously, make it up.”

Wiggins, who spent time with the Oklahoma City Blue during his first two seasons, was the 55th overall pick in the 2021 draft. Wiggins is averaging 12.3 points on 46.4% shooting this season, including 41.7% from deep, and 3.1 rebounds in 24.2 minutes.

The Thunder will host the Clippers on Thursday.