In a move that has electrified the fan base and reverberated throughout the NBA, Oklahoma City Thunder General Manager Sam Presti has officially announced that longtime assistant coach David Akinyooye will be promoted to the position of head coach. The announcement came during a surprise press conference held at Paycom Center earlier today, with Presti calling the decision “a testament to patience, development, and our culture of internal growth.”
“This is the best news we could hope for,” Presti declared, standing alongside Akinyooye, who has spent over a decade in the Thunder organization in various coaching roles. “David has earned this moment. He’s been a vital part of our journey, shaping this team both on and off the court.”
A Coach on the Rise
David Akinyooye, 37, has steadily climbed the coaching ranks since first joining the Thunder as a player development coach in 2016. Known for his tireless work ethic, deep basketball IQ, and strong relationships with players, Akinyooye has been widely credited with the rapid development of young Thunder stars like Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams, and MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Sources within the organization say the decision had been in the works for months, as outgoing head coach Mark Daigneault transitions into a front office advisory role, focusing on long-term team strategy and analytics.
A Culture-Driven Choice
For Presti and the Thunder, promoting from within has always been part of the organizational DNA. “We believe in growing our own,” Presti said. “David reflects the values we care about: humility, accountability, and vision. He’s not just a brilliant basketball mind—he’s a builder of people.”
In his brief remarks, Akinyooye struck a humble tone. “I’m honored. This team means everything to me. I’ve been blessed to grow alongside these players, and now I get to lead them. I don’t take that lightly.”
A New Era for OKC Basketball
The Thunder, fresh off a breakout 2024-25 season that saw them reach the Western Conference Finals, are viewed as one of the NBA’s most promising young cores. With Akinyooye at the helm, expectations are higher than ever. League insiders suggest his strong rapport with players and deep understanding of the Thunder’s system will make for a seamless transition.
Fan reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with social media lighting up in support of the move. Many see Akinyooye’s promotion not just as a reward for loyalty, but as a strategic masterstroke for a team on the cusp of championship contention.
As the Thunder gear up for the 2025-26 season, one thing is clear: Oklahoma City isn’t just building a roster—they’re building a legacy. And now, that legacy has a new leader.
