In the ever-shifting landscape of the NBA, ranking coaches can appear to be a daunting, if not futile, endeavor. The league's last six seasons have seen six different teams claim the championship trophy, a testament to the parity and unpredictable nature of professional basketball. Yet, some constants remain amid the chaos.
Take the Milwaukee Bucks, for example. Adrian Griffin began the season as head coach, only to be dismissed midway through his first year. Replacing him is Doc Rivers, a coach who undeniably resonates with NBA owners. "Owners love him. That's probably how he keeps getting these premium jobs," an insider quipped. Rivers brings a wealth of experience and a storied career to the Bucks, hoping to make his mark in Milwaukee.
Out in Los Angeles, the Lakers have turned to a new face in coaching. JJ Redick, a former player and now a head coach, raises eyebrows among the basketball cognoscenti. Despite skepticism expressed by some—"No, I am not prepared to offer a strong opinion on the coaching future of a podcaster"—Redick has an opportunity to defy expectations in one of the NBA's most storied franchises.
Meanwhile, in the Bay Area, Steve Kerr's Golden State Warriors continue to be a formidable force. Kerr, who has consistently demonstrated his coaching acumen, remains a cornerstone for the team that has become synonymous with sustained success.
Veteran Coaches and New Faces
In Philadelphia, Nick Nurse has taken the reins of the 76ers, hoping to bring his championship pedigree to the City of Brotherly Love. Nurse's challenge will be navigating a fiercely competitive Eastern Conference. Miami Heat's Erik Spoelstra embodies persistence and tactical prowess. With 34 playoff series under his belt, Spoelstra knows the rigors of postseason play, often steering his squad as the lower-seeded team; 18 times, to be exact.
Gregg Popovich in San Antonio remains a paragon of coaching excellence. Widely praised for the authentic relationships he builds with his players, Popovich’s strategies are adaptive, allowing him to evolve with the ever-changing game. "Popovich is widely praised—and justifiably so!—for the relationships he is able to forge with his players," highlights one observer.
In contrast, Billy Donovan, now with the Chicago Bulls, demonstrated his coaching ingenuity during his previous tenure in Oklahoma City. "He was great in his last season in Oklahoma City, utilizing unconventional three-point guard lineups with Chris Paul, Dennis Schroder, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander," noted another analyst. Donovan's willingness to innovate has been a key to his enduring success.
New Coaches on the Block
This season also introduces fresh faces in new places. Jordi Fernandez now leads the Brooklyn Nets, and Brian Keefe steps up as the head coach of the Washington Wizards. Both coaches will aim to establish their own identities while steering their respective teams through the complexities of the NBA schedule.
Mike Budenholzer, a seasoned coach, has found a new home with the Phoenix Suns. His experience will be crucial as the Suns look to compete at the highest level. Similarly, Mike Brown, coaching the Sacramento Kings, faces unique challenges, including integrating star player DeMar DeRozan into his system. "If Brown makes it work, he could be a top-10 coach," suggests an insider, acknowledging the high stakes for both the coach and the franchise.
The Changing Dynamics
Not to be forgotten is Michael Malone, head coach of the Denver Nuggets, and Willie Green, who leads the New Orleans Pelicans. Both coaches embody a blend of youthful energy and strategic acumen essential for guiding their teams in the competitive Western Conference.
In Orlando, Jamahl Mosley aims to build a competitive squad with promising young talent, including Paolo Banchero. The development of such players under Mosley’s guidance will be an important storyline to watch.
The Memphis Grizzlies under Taylor Jenkins, the Indiana Pacers guided by Rick Carlisle, and the Portland Trail Blazers with Chauncey Billups also constitute significant narratives in the ongoing NBA saga. Each coach brings a unique vision, honed by experience and a drive for excellence, as they strive to elevate their teams.
With one-third of active NBA head coaches boasting championship credentials, the level of competition and tactical brilliance on display promises to deliver another thrilling season. As the league evolves, these coaches—whether veterans or newcomers—are the architects of their teams’ destinies, shaping the future of the NBA, one game at a time.