Chatting it up with several personnel, a group of NBA referees were in full uniform as the Oklahoma City Thunder held their last day of 2025-26 training camp before they start their preseason slate.

Every season, there are new points of emphasis for NBA referees. Taking the initiative, the league has had groups visit training camps across the country to inform teams in person what they should expect before the 2025-26 regular season starts. They were there to answer any and every question.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault appreciated the idea. Because of their brand of defense, racking up fouls is a price they’re willing to pay to be physical. The NBA champion leaned on that side of the ball to dominate the rest of the league.

“It’s a really good program by the league that they offered to us this year. We have these three guys in here today. We had officials the other day. Those were productive days,” Daigneault said. “It formalizes our live days in practice. It allows us to get a feel for how they’re going to call things. I think it’s good for them.”

Daigneault also said it helps the Thunder strengthen their relationship with referees. While most fans would love to see OKC berate the officials for any 50-50 call that went against it, he understands that’s not a feasible approach that helps your reputation around the league.

“It’s good relationship building. These are human beings and we’re human beings,” Daigneault said. “You get in the heat of competition, it can sometimes go over that line. Getting in front of them and them getting in front of us is a really positive thing.”

The Thunder have always been diplomatic with the referees under Daigneault and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Neither believes in constant complaints. That doesn’t mean they won’t voice their disagreements, though. You’re guaranteed at least a couple of postgame comments from Daigneault about an unfair whistle backed up by data.

Mark Daigneault on NBA referees being at training camp: “It allows us to get a feel for how they’re going to call things. I think it’s good for them… It’s good relationship building. These are human beings and we’re human beings.” pic.twitter.com/HEs6nV3Q9R

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 3, 2025