Way Too Early NBA Predictions: Coach of the Year
I know, we're only near the end of July, the NBA season seems a lifetime away, but I've decided to start a new series making, you guessed it, predictions way too early. A lot can change between now and then, but if I'm wrong, I can blame it on making a prediction too early, and if I'm right, I can say I was one of the first to ever say it. Let's hope for the latter.
In this first prediction, I'm going to give my top five of who i think the next Coach of the Year will be. Last year it was Steve Kerr who took the Warriors to a 73-9 record (well, kind of, so did Luke Walton). They're the guys who get all the blame when things go wrong and none of the credit when things go smooth. Here we go,
5: Rick Carlisle
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Career W/L: 661-471
2016-17 Team: Dallas Mavericks
Maybe it's because of where Dallas falls in the standings, or maybe it's because they don't get out of the first round, but Carlisle hardly ever deserves the respect he deserves when it comes to the Coach of the Year competition. He always seems to make something out of nothing with the rosters he's given. He's also one of the best, if not the best at making in game changes. People are already overlooking this Maverick roster, which means if they exceed all kinds of expectations, Carlisle should get a lot of the credit. I believe Dallas has a ceiling of a four seed, and if they get there, Carlisle should finish much higher than fifth in the competition for this award.
4: Gregg Popovich
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Career W/L: 1,089-485
2016-17 Team: San Antonio Spurs
Pop always deserves a shot at winning this award. Whether we like it or not as Mavs fans, he's the best coach of all time. Next season he'll be without his sidekick in Tim Duncan, but with the team the Spurs have put together through this, and past offseasons, the Spurs will still be top three in the West. I believe that if the Spurs fall below top 5, Pop finally falls out of this competition, but that's highly unlikely.
3: Jason Kidd
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Career W/L: 118-128
2016-17 Team: Milwaukee Bucks
An ex-Maverick, a future hall of famer, one of the greatest point guards to ever play, and a genius NBA coach. Kidd had a tough task in coaching the Nets in his first season as a head coach, but when he was handed the Milwaukee Bucks, a young, up and coming team, he began to show what he could do as a coach. The Bucks were hit with a lot of injuries last season, but they look to be set for next season. Kidd uses lineups that a lot of coaches wouldn't dare to try, like having Giannis Antetokounmpo as his point guard, and having him thrive at it. I believe the Bucks are set for a playoff bound season next year and Kidd will get a very hard look for the Head Coach of the Year award.
2: Brad Stevens
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Career W/L: 113-133
2016-17 Team: Boston Celtics
I am a huge Brad Stevens fan, since his days at Butler. Stevens is a young guy that can adapt to today's game better than some of the older coaches do right now, plus, he probably relates to his players a little better. Stevens is a master defensive strategist. He throws wrinkles at superstars and teams with multiple superstars that can shake them in ways they've never seen. Another beautiful thing about Stevens' coaching: he's never up tight. He promised that he would never lose another game because he was on edge after losing one in college because of that exact reason. With the additions of Al Horford and Jaylen Brown, Stevens is going to have a true big man to play with for the first time in his NBA coaching career and a defensive stud on the wing. He's going to be around this league for a long time.
1: Steve Kerr
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Career W/L: 140-24
2016-17 Team: Golden State Warriors
Safe pick here? Sure, but how can you not pick him? I know what most of y'all are thinking: "He basically has the entire Western All-Star team in his starting five!" True, but someone still has to figure out a way to get all of those stars the touches they deserve at the right times without one or more of those stars losing their patience. The Warriors should come very close to beating their 73-9 this next season, but they may opt to rest their guys instead of going for 73 wins. Either way, the Dubs should end up winning 65+ games, but they won't be able to do that if their coach can't draw up the right plays for the right guys at the right times. I will be honest though, if someone gave me the keys to a team like that, I, an 18 year old college student, might be able to win Coach of the Year.
