One of the most difficult things to do in the NBA is to judge how much a team is impacted by its coach. Are the players playing well because of the coach, or are they just excellent players? Or is a coach bringing together a team in a way they have never gelled before and raising the standard of excellence? The NBA’s Coach of the Year Award aims to determine which coaches did the best job with their team each season. Last year’s winner was Gregg Popovich, and this year there are really only a few possible candidates. Let’s take a look at the favorites, as well as a couple dark horses that have an outside shot.
The Front Runners
Steve Kerr – Golden State Warriors
If you asked me who would win the award if the season ended today, it's a no brainer. Kerr has done a masterful job this season, leading the Warriors to the NBA’s best record. He consistently puts his players, and not just his best players, in positions to be successful. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green are all having breakout seasons, and Kerr is no small part of their success. Additionally, he finally found a way to use Harrison Barnes and Andre Iguodala effectively. It takes a lot of spunk to ask two former All-Stars to come off the bench, but Kerr has done that. Now the Warriors are reaping the rewards of his decisions. Oh by the way, did I mention that this is his first year as a head coach in the NBA? Not too shabby, if you ask me.
Mike Budenholzer – Atlanta Hawks
Next in line for the COY Award is Kerr’s counterpart on the east coast, Mike Budenholzer. He is a direct descendant from the Gregg Popovich system, and his team has been dubbed the “Spurs of the East” for their playing style and his team management. The Hawks have the best record in the east, and have played true team basketball all season long. Jeff Teague, Paul Millsap, Al Horford, Kyle Korver, and DeMarre Carroll have all played outstanding basketball all season. The Hawks had four all-stars this season (only Carroll was left out), and are extremely deep and balanced. Budenholzer is a wizard when it comes to designing offensive schemes and sets, and has done a great job developing the bench. If it weren’t for Kerr, he’d be the Coach of the Year, but he still has three weeks to prove he deserves it more.
The Dark Horses
Jason Kidd – Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks had the league's worst record last season and landed the second overall pick. They drafted Jabari Parker, who was expected to help lead the team this year. However, Parker's rookie season ended prematurely after tearing his ACL. Jason Kidd has done a tremendous job keeping the Bucks at .500 basketball and staying in the thick of the playoff hunt. He lost Parker, his starting point guard Brandon Knight, his backup point guard Kendall Marshall to injury (before he was traded), and Larry Sanders, who was supposed to anchor the backcourt, but walked away from the game. He has helped develop Michael Carter-Williams already, and helped Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo flourish. This is only his second year as an NBA coach and while he probably won’t win the award, he should be strongly considered for it.
Brad Stevens – Boston Celtics
What? The Celtics? That’s right, the Celtics. Boston has stealthily slipped into the final spot in the eastern conference playoffs, and the reason is Brad Stevens. He has done a phenomenal job despite the trade of Rajon Rondo and having several rookies and inexperienced players in the fold. Evan Turner and Avery Bradley are playing at career-high levels, and the introduction of Isaiah Thomas has reinvigorated the team. No one knew if Stevens’ style would translate from Butler University to the NBA, but it now appears that he is on to something. He won’t win the award this year, but keep an eye on Brad Stevens, the 38-year-old who might be here for the long haul.