Mark Daigneault, head coach of the OKC Thunder, was mentored by Scott Brooks, the former Thunder coach and current Lakers assistant. Daigneault began his coaching career with the G League OKC Blue in 2014, a year before Brooks was replaced by Billy Donovan as Thunder head coach.
Key points
Mark Daigneault was mentored by Scott Brooks.
Daigneault coached the OKC Blue starting in 2014.
Scott Brooks is now an assistant with the Lakers.
Brooks has the most wins in Thunder history.
Daigneault is second in wins for the Thunder.
Mentioned in this story
Mark DaigneaultScott BrooksOKC ThunderLos Angeles Lakers
Daigneault was hired as head coach of the G League OKC Blue in 2014, a year before the Thunder hired Donovan to coach the Thunder.
Daigneaultās first year as the Blueās coach coincided with Scott Brooksā last of seven years as the Thunderās coach. Brooks was fired after the 2014-15 season, and Donovan was hired as Brooksā replacement.
Brooks, now a Lakers assistant whoās been on opposite sides of the Thunder in Round 2, has the most wins in Thunder history (338). Daigneault (275) is second and Donovan (243) is third.
Brooks was Daigneaultās first exposure to being around an NBA coach.
āI knew nothing about the NBA at that time, and so everything that I was seeing was new to me,ā Daigneault said. āHe opened the door and was very gracious with his time.ā
Daigneault spent time around Brooks and the big-league club during training camp and when the Thunder was home for long stretches.
See every story in Sports ā including breaking news and analysis.
Feb 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Scott Brooks against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Feb 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Scott Brooks against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
āI just marveled at his ability to remain incredibly steady from a temperament standpoint despite the fact that he was going through a tough season,ā Daigneault said.
Kevin Durant missed all but 27 games that season with a foot injury. The Thunder missed the playoffs for the first time in six years.
āHe was the same guy every day,ā Daigneault said, āand I took a lot of signals from that.ā
Brooks, who also spent five seasons as head coach of the Wizards, is in his second season on the staff of Lakersā coach JJ Redick.
Before Redick was officially hired, when his name was just being rumored for the Lakersā job, Redick said he was hit up by 20 to 25 people across the NBA. All of them told him the same thing.
āYou gotta hire Scott Brooks,ā said Redick, relaying the story.
Brooksā job interview with Redick happened over a round of golf.
āIt felt like if I was going to spend a lot of time around someone, I wanted it to be Scott Brooks,ā Redick said before Thunder-Lakers Game 1. āHeās an amazing basketball coach, heās an even better person.
āHeās meant the world to not only me, but really everybody on our staff, particularly our younger coaches. Heās been an incredible mentor, an incredible sounding board and a great friend to all of us.ā
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) fight for position on the court in the first half of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Head coach JJ Redick and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on from the sidelines against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder battle for the rebound during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Head coach Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a three point basket against Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder fouls Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Luke Kennard #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to passes the ball against Alex Caruso #9 and Ajay Mitchell #25 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against Ajay Mitchell #25 and Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder rebounds against Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers jumps for the ball against Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder to start the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks for a foul call during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) is defended by Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) screens out Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) as Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) handles the ball during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) steps back from Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) for a three-point basket during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) and center Chet Holmgren (7) defend a shot by Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) defends a shot by Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder team owner Clay Bennett looks on as players warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
1 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) fight for position on the court in the first half of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
1 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) fight for position on the court in the first half of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
2 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
3 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Head coach JJ Redick and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on from the sidelines against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
4 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
5 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder battle for the rebound during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
6 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Head coach Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
7 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a three point basket against Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
8 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
9 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder fouls Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
10 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Luke Kennard #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to passes the ball against Alex Caruso #9 and Ajay Mitchell #25 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
11 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against Ajay Mitchell #25 and Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
12 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder rebounds against Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
13 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
14 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
15 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
16 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers jumps for the ball against Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder to start the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
17 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks for a foul call during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
18 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) is defended by Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
19 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) screens out Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) as Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) handles the ball during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
20 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) steps back from Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) for a three-point basket during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
21 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) and center Chet Holmgren (7) defend a shot by Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
22 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) defends a shot by Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
23 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
24 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder team owner Clay Bennett looks on as players warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
25 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
26 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
27 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
28 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
29 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Twenty-nine other teams collectively exhaled when the Thunderās 7.2% chance of leaping into the top-four via the Clippers pick evaporated.
But picking 12th is a heck of a consolation for a team that could be the back-to-back champs by the time the June 23 NBA draft rolls around.
The Thunder has a rich history of picking 12th.
Kansas big man Nick Collison was the No. 12 pick in 2003. That pick predates Sam Presti and the Thunder, but Collison of course became Mr. Thunder. His No. 4 jersey hangs by itself in the rafters of Paycom Center.
The Thunder picked Nikola Topic 12th in 2024. TBD on how that turns out. Topic has only played in 10 NBA games. He made a remarkable late-season return after battling testicular cancer.
Steven Adams was the 12th pick in 2003. Presti aced that one. Adams helped the Thunder win a whole lot of games, becoming a fan favorite along the way.
And then thereās Jalen Williams, probably the best pick Presti has ever made given the spot in the draft (although a case could be made for snagging Ajay Mitchell in the second round).
The Thunder drafted Williams with the No. 12 pick in 2022 via the Clippers. Sound familiar? Presti can just go out and draft the next J-Dub. If only it were that easy.
Williams, whoās been sidelined with a hamstring injury for much of these playoffs, is one of only 10 former No. 12 picks who became an All-Star.
Here are the other nine.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver (left) and Santa Clara's Jalen Williams pose for photos after Williams was drafted with the 12th overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on Thursday in New York City.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver (left) and Santa Clara's Jalen Williams pose for photos after Williams was drafted with the 12th overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on Thursday in New York City.
Larry Costello, Warriors, 1954: The Philadelphia Warriors selected Costello with the 12th pick in the 1954 draft. He went on to become a six-time All-Star with the Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers.
Rudy LaRusso, Lakers, 1959: The Dartmouth product played one year in Minneapolis before the Lakers relocated to Los Angeles. He was a five-time All-Star with the Lakers and Warriors in his 10 NBA seasons.
Paul Silas, Hawks, 1964: Silas, a two-time All-Star, played 16 NBA seasons and was a head coach for 12 seasons.
Julius Erving, Bucks, 1972: Erving was a Buck? No, but Milwaukee used its No. 12 pick in the 1972 draft to secure the NBA rights to the ABA star. Or so they thought. Dr. J didnāt make his NBA debut until 1976 ā¦ with the 76ers.
Brian Winters, Lakers, 1974: Winters spent one year with the Lakers before being traded to the Bucks as part of the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar deal. Winters was a two-time All-Star in Milwaukee.
Jim Paxson, Trail Blazers, 1979: Paxson was a back-to-back All-Star in 1983 and 1984, when he averaged better than 20 points per game.
Kelly Tripucka, Pistons, 1981: Tripucka was an All-Star and finished 11th in MVP voting as a rookie.
Mookie Blaylock, Nets, 1989: The former Sooner had his best years with the Hawks (1992-99). He was an All-Star in 1994 and a six-time All-Defensive selection.
Tyrese Haliburton, Kings, 2020:Sacramento made the bone-headed decision to trade this guy, who last year led the Pacers to the NBA Finals. That series also featured Jalen Williams, of course, the only other No. 12 pick to make an All-Star team this century.
Kansas softball is in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2015. The Jayhawks, along with the Wolverines of Michigan and the Bearcats of Binghamton, are headed to the Norman Regional hosted by No. 3 national seed OU. The tournament begins Friday.
Kansas coach Jennifer McFalls was an OU assistant under Patty Gasso in 1998, and the Jayhawks have twice as many Oklahomans (four) on their roster as OU (two).
Here are the Jayhawks who will be playing postseason ball in their home state.
INF/UTL September Flanagan, Morrison HS: The junior has made the most of her 70 at-bats. Flanagan is hitting .300 with five home runs and 21 RBIs.
INF Karsen Griggs, Dale HS: Griggs starred on both the softball field and basketball court at Dale. The reserve infielder has played in nine games in her sophomore season at Kansas.
P/UTL Ellie Loveless, Washington HS: Loveless transferred to Kansas from McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas. She hasnāt recorded any stats with the Jayhawks.
OF Aynslee Linduff, Westmoore HS: A starting outfielder, Linduff is hitting .317 with 34 RBIs. The senior outfielder has only committed one error.
Oklahoma State's Madison Hoffman (8) celebrates after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Aubrey Jones (7) celebrates after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Aubrey Jones (7) runs the bases past Kansas Jayhawks pitcher Anna Soles (22) after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Madison Hoffman (8) celebrates with coach Kenny Gajewski after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Oklahoma State players wait at. home for Aubrey Jones (7) after she hit a home run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Rosie Davis (26) runs home after hitting a home run in the fifth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Rosie Davis (26) runs home after hitting a home run in the fifth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Oklahoma state fans spray water to celebrate a home run during of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Rosie Davis (26) hits a home run in the fifth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Claire Timm (18) celebrates as she runs home after hitting a home run in the fifth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls pitcher Ruby Meylan (66) celebrates during a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
1 / 11
Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma State's Madison Hoffman (8) celebrates after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
1 / 11
Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma State's Madison Hoffman (8) celebrates after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
2 / 11
Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Aubrey Jones (7) celebrates after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
3 / 11
Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Aubrey Jones (7) runs the bases past Kansas Jayhawks pitcher Anna Soles (22) after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
4 / 11
Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma State's Madison Hoffman (8) celebrates with coach Kenny Gajewski after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
5 / 11
Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma State players wait at. home for Aubrey Jones (7) after she hit a home run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
6 / 11
Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Rosie Davis (26) runs home after hitting a home run in the fifth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
7 / 11
Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Rosie Davis (26) runs home after hitting a home run in the fifth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
8 / 11
Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma state fans spray water to celebrate a home run during of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
9 / 11
Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Rosie Davis (26) hits a home run in the fifth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
10 / 11
Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Claire Timm (18) celebrates as she runs home after hitting a home run in the fifth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
11 / 11
Oklahoma State Cowgirls vs Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 softball game, see top photos
Oklahoma State Cowgirls pitcher Ruby Meylan (66) celebrates during a college softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Kansas Jayhawks in Stillwater, Friday, May 1, 2026.
Oklahomans to know in PGA Championship
The PGA Championship, the second major of the year, tees off later this week at Aronimink Golf Club in suburban Philadelphia.
Here are nine players in the field with Oklahoma ties.
Wyndham Clark, OSU: Clark played four seasons at OSU before transferring to Oregon. He tied for 50th last year at Quail Hollow. The 2023 U.S. Open champion has only made the cut twice in five PGA Championship starts.
Rickie Fowler, OSU: The 37-year-old is ranked 37th in the world. Heās running out of time to win that elusive major. Fowler, making his 17th start in the PGA Championship, has three top-10s in this event.
Chris Gotterup, OU: This will be Gotterupās sixth start in a major. And his second PGA Championship start after missing the cut in 2024. At No. 10 in the world, heās got the game to win this. He tied for 24th at the Masters.
Viktor Hovland, OSU: Hovland is due. He has five top-10 finishes in majors, including two at the PGA Championship, where he finished T2 in 2023 and solo third in 2024. Heās made the cut in each of his six PGA Championship starts.
Max McGreevy, Edmond Santa Fe/OU: At 31, the Edmond native and former Sooner is set to make his second major start. He missed the cut in the 2025 PGA Championship.
Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, OSU: The former Cowboy via Denmark is set to make his fourth major start.
Alex Noren, OSU: The 43-year-old tied for 17th and tied for 12th in the last two PGA Championships. Heās coming off a T30 at the Masters.
Sam Stevens, OSU: Stevens made the cut in 2023 at Oak Hill and last year at Quail Hollow. He tied for 24th at the Masters.
Jimmy Walker, OKC native: Walker, born in Oklahoma City, won the PGA Championship in 2016. This is the only major he still plays. The 47-year-old missed the cut in each of the last three years.