Hoops Habit
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Way too early predictions for each NBA Award for the 2023–24 season

By Rob Greene

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after making a three-point basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 20, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after making a three-point basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 20, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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NBA Awards
Mark Daigneault (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

NBA Coach of the Year: Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City Thunder

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault had an impressive season last season, with Oklahoma City widely exceeding expectations. Many thought they were still lottery-bound when they went from 24 wins to 40 losses in the Play-In tournament. It earned Daigneault as much Coach of the Year consideration behind Mike Brown as it did. The team is even better now with the young and exciting Thunder growing in the playoff tree.

Thunder cornerstones Shai Gilgeous-Alexander making the All-NBA First Team and Jalen Williams being the Rookie of the Year runner-up opened eyes. Josh Giddey’s magnificent play as well The team easily became a basketball junkie’s cup of tea, and top draftee Chet Holmgren had not even played.

Oklahoma City had the 13th-rated defense and the 16th-rated offense. As an exciting premiere show for the league with what they had to offer, they had nights of beating some of the league’s best teams.

Integrating Holmgren into the lineup will help the Thunder unlock a lot more, with them finally having height and high-level rim protection in the front court. Adding him to Oklahoma City’s thunderous trio, glorified by their guaranteed leaps, could put the team in the upper echelon of the West postseason. Kind of like last year’s Sacramento Kings.