Marc Daigneault credits Tom Thibodeau’s ‘humility’ after Knicks firing

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault addressed the familiar face of the former New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeauwho has been around the team this week. The The Thunder wrapped up their six-game preseason ahead of the regular season opener on Tuesday. With Thibodeau looking on, Daigneault cherishes his time with the former Knicks head coach.

Daigneault is impressed with Thibodeau modest approach after the Knicks fired him, making his first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years.

“He was mostly with our coaching staff and front office. He was looking to come in,” Daigneault said. “Obviously he sits around all year and travels around. I give him a lot of credit. He went to college in September. It takes a lot of humility for someone who’s had the success he’s had and he’s done it as long as he’s had to put himself in that position.”

“He’s always been very good to me. We’ve always had a nice cordial relationship, but this is the most time I’ve ever spent with him, which was great,” Daigneault concluded.

Thibodeau coached the Knicks for five seasons, which is tied with the Chicago Bulls (2010-15) for his longest tenure as a head coach. Tom Thibodeau also coached the Minnesota Timberwolves for three seasons (2016-19) before leaving for New York.

Mark Daigneault on the Nuggets’ offseason additions after the Thunder’s win

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault reflected on the Nuggets’ offseason additionsbelieved to be inspired by their seven-game streak against the champion Thunder in an attempt to get over the hump. After the preseason finale, Daigneault discussed what he saw in the Nuggets’ Jonas Valanciunas, Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown and Cameron Johnson.

“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.

Daigneault and the Thunder will receive their championship rings before facing the Rockets in the opener at the Paicom Center on Tuesday.