Now that the regular season is heading into its home stretch, fans can really start looking forward to all of the excitement this year’s postseason will bring. Along with all of the exciting playoff games, there will be plenty of postseason awards handed out. One of these awards is the Coach of the Year.
There are many coaches each season who could take home the award. This year is no different. Here are four coaches who have had tremendous seasons coaching their respective teams.
George Karl, Denver Nuggets:
Pure and simple, Karl has done an outstanding coaching job in Denver this season. Before Carmelo was traded, Karl kept the Nuggets from wilting under all of the trade rumors. Now, after Melo was finally dealt to the Knicks, Karl is doing more with less. The team is arguably playing better since trading Carmelo. Not all coaches would have the mental mettle Karl has shown this season in keeping the team from completely giving up.
Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs:
After two straight years of playoff disappointments, Popovich and the Spurs are looking like championship contenders once again. To everyone’s surprise, Popovich has tweaked his proven system this season, and the team has been more reliant on offense than ever before. The results have been beneficial. The Spurs have a league best 56-13 record.
Nate McMillan, Portland Trail Blazers:
McMillan has managed to keep the Blazers in playoff contention the last couple of seasons despite devastating injuries to some of the team’s best players. McMillan has the next man up attitude, and the Blazers consistently get the most they can from the personnel they have to work with.
Tom Thibodeau, Chicago Bulls:
Thibodeau has brought a true structure and defense first mentality to the Bulls this season. The results have been outstanding. After two years of being a mediocre basketball team, the Bulls have the top record in the Eastern Conference this season.
Honorable Mention:
Lionel Hollins (Memphis) Doug Collins (Philadelphia)
At this point, given the Bulls’ rise to the top of the Eastern Conference, Thibodeau will probably be hoisting the trophy this spring. More times than not, coaches who lead teams to a surprising spike in victories usually take home the award.
With that being said, I would personally give the award to George Karl or Nate McMillan. Both coaches have pushed through adversity, and both the Nuggets and Blazers will likely be in the playoffs this season.
Joshua Sexton is a lifelong basketball fanatic, who watches as many games as possible. In addition, He has played and coached the game at the high school level. He has recently started writing about the game of basketball.
