Summer league is meant for experimentation. That doesn’t just stop on the court though for rookies and bubble NBA players trying to earn their next contract. It also applies to coaches during the July event.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have made the most of the summer extravaganza. They’ve split the head coaching duties since participating in two summer leagues in Utah and Las Vegas.
Blue head coach Kam Woods was the head coach for Utah’s three games. Blue assistant Daniel Dixon will be handed the baton in the more traditional SL at Las Vegas.
The 30-year-old began his coaching career in 2020. He had a brief pro career from 2017-20 overseas and in the G League after he went undrafted. He spent four college seasons at Wiliam & Mary.
Dixon has spent the last two seasons as a Blue assistant. He offered his thoughts on what type of coach he is in his first media availability on Friday.
“I think I just like to bring a lot of energy, and the biggest thing is focusing on development because I think that’s the biggest passion that I have,” Dixon said. “To help these guys get to where they want to get in the most delicate time of their careers.”
Considering Ousmane Dieng will sit out the rest of the summer event, more eyes will be on Dixon to see how he conducts himself as a head coach on the sidelines.
“It’s amazing, I’m extremely grateful,” Dixon said. “It’s like a dream. I’m really grateful that the organization put me in this position and they’re constantly investing in my development, which is a great thing.”
