OKC Thunder HC Mark Daigneault is Early Favorite for Coach of the Year

The NBA regular season is roughly a quarter of the way through. With this, looking ahead to future award winners is a bit more than projections as there's an actual sample size of games played.

One of the most unique awards in the league is the Coach of the Year award. Last season, Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault was runner-up for the award after coaching an undersized and often out-matched Thunder team to a 40-42 record -- a 16-win jump from the previous season.

The award instead went to Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown, who helped the franchise end its playoff drought.

Heading into this season, Daigneault held some of the best odds to win the award for the season. After having taken a leap last season combined with the additions of Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace to the lineup, the Thunder was expected to take another jump.

So far, the Thunder has done just that, with a 13-6 record through 19 games. Maintaining their unique playstyle on both ends of the floor has been crucial for them as they've put together an impressive start to the season.

How Daigneault manages his talent and maintains a winning culture with this team is a big reason he is tied for the favorite to win Coach of the Year this season. Similarly to the Kings last season, the Thunder is surging to make a playoff spot and are currently in a position to get home-court advantage in the playoffs.

With +350 odds to win the award, Daigneault is tied with Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley, also with +350 odds, has his team No. 2 in the Eastern Conference with a 14-6 record. The two teams are in eerily similar positions and if both teams continue and make a push in the playoff race.