The sudden Christmas Eve firing of Scott Skiles by the Chicago Bulls is a reminder to check in on frontrunners for the 2007-08 NBA coach of the year. As is the case with so many of the awards that have been a struggle to vote on over the past 24 years covering the NBA, not only are there always numerous candidates, but the criteria can vary.
It’s easy to go with the guys who are always there and keep their teams at a very high level. From that vantage point, why wouldn’t you strongly consider Gregg Popovich, who still has the San Antonio Spurs atop the Western Conference despite losing Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili with varying minor injuries?
And while the Phoenix Suns haven’t been quite as dominant overall, particularly in the West, Mike D’Antoni has had roster transition and age become a factor when it comes to consistency.
Despite the incessant whining and distraction of Kobe Bryant right into training camp, and beginning the season with both Lamar Odom and Kwame Brown out, the Los Angeles Lakers are hanging right with the Suns. Undoubtedly, Phil Jackson, who is about to move past Red Auerbach on the all-time wins list, deserves consideration.
The same goes for Golden State’s Don Nelson. The Warriors began the season with great expectations after a fabulous finish last season, but without suspended Stephen Jackson. Consequently, they began as a flop – 0-6 – and then took off on a 19-7 run since to be clipping right at the heels of the Suns and Lakers.
But how can you ignore what Nate McMillan has accomplished with his precocious Portland Trail Blazers? They dealt their lone inside threat – 20-and-10 power forward Zach Randolph with the understanding that top overall draft choice Greg Oden would be there to dominate inside. Instead, Oden’s out for the year following knee surgery and they have neither. It didn’t matter, he spurred the youngest team in the league to a 13-game winning streak.
Virtually ignored because they play in a silent market, having moved from Oklahoma City, Bryon Scott has the New Orleans Hornets right smack in the middle of the race in the toughest division in the NBA, the Midwest with San Antonio, Dallas and Houston. In fact, it would be appropriate to say they’ve accomplished what the Rockets have not – consistently battling with the best of the West as opposed to streaks and slumps.
Heading East, if your criteria is purely the transition of the team and unadulterated success, then there really isn’t any competition. The 26-3 start for the Boston Celtics with a brand new team, and coming off a 24-58 mark, would make Doc Rivers a lock for the trophy. And that quite possibly could be the case already. Then again, team president Danny Ainge did hand him Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen without dealing Paul Pierce. Perhaps more importantly, he’s gotten them to do it with tough defense. That’s no issue for Garnett, a perennial defensive player of the year contender. But to get Pierce and Allen to that level on the defensive end is worthy of consideration all by itself.
The Celtics aren’t running away with the East, however, and that’s only because Flip Saunders has the Detroit Pistons right on task again. So what’s the big deal with a team that’s been to the conference finals five years in a row? Well, it is because he is transitioning his aging starters to playing fewer minutes and developing a very young bench that is making them tougher than ever.
With a 14-3 start, Orlando was everybody’s darling and put first-year coach Stan Van Gundy right into the heart of consideration. Then the Magic lost 8 of 12 and it had the same kind of feel as last year’s fast start, followed by collapse into oblivion that cost Brian Hill his job. Instead, Van Gundy has them back on task with a four-game winning streak and the second-best road record in the NBA.
Fighting off injuries with a less than stellar roster, there is Washington Wizards coach Eddie Jordan, who never really had All-Star point guard Gilbert Arenas, coming off failed knee surgery and unavailable since mid-November. Nonetheless, the Wizards started off 0-6 and now are right in the playoff race.
And that leaves us with one of my favorites … the Eastern Conference version of McMillan’s babes in the woods. Mike Woodson has the Atlanta Hawks off to their best start in eight years. They are right in the thick of things at that second level in the East as well, with a starting lineup that is barely of age to enter one of Atlanta’s notorious clubs. If he can keep them out of the clubs and get them to continue playing ball at their present rate, that’s reason enough for Woody to at least be in my Fave Five.
Never miss a chance to take a shot at Kobe do you? The reality is that Phil Jackson coddled and allowed Shaq and MJ to do just about whatever they darn well pleased. And never a negative peep to the press. What would Jackson have said publicly if Kobe had of missed as many training camps as Shaq did? What would of Jackson said if Kobe spent his time gambling at every opportunity and making a total fool of himself by losing millions while doing so? You need to lighten up on Kobe.
You ruined the whole consideration of "coach of the year" when you have to a shot at Kobe to slide Jackson's name in there. I think the total thumping of the Lakers by the Celtics answers any question for COY by Jackson. As for who is? I don't really care right now. I just don't care because I don't like interacting with you when you make your childish needs to take cheap shots at Kobe a priority in order to deal with another subject.
Last edited by TheOutLawChronicles on January 2nd at 2:15 PM.
As of this second, I give coach of the year to Gregg Popovich, for the reasons named above. Second would be Phil Jackson, followed by Dov Rivers and Nate McMillan.
If the season ended today then Doc Rivers would win it. At the end of the year I predict Flip Saunders will win coach of the year after his 3rd year as the Piston's head coach. He's bringing along his young guards in Stuckey and Afflalo superbly. Jason Maxiell is turning into a lethal player off the bench. With all these weapons Flip Saunder's offensive genius is becoming more apparent without sacrificing any defense. Putting Antonio McDyess into the starting line-up was a great move too. Plus Flip knows when to keep Lindsay Hunter active and inactive as the season goes on knowing that having him in prime shape for another deep playoff run is paramount. Lindsay is playing as well if not better than he has ever done at 37 years old.
At this point in the season, I'd have to give it to Nate McMillan, he's got a very young team exceeding expectations. Doc Rivers seems to me to be the beneficiary of Ainge and Thibodeau's (their defensive assistant coach) work, but if they stay healthy and win 65 games, he will most likely win it. Best of luck to both!
Last edited by nba is the worst on January 2nd at 5:16 PM.
As much as I hate the Celtics, I feel Doc Rivers deserves to be coach of the year because I'm amazed that a team who was horrible last year but is now 26-3, and that isn't because of getting Garnett and Allen, it's because of the coach getting them to play well together. At this juncture, the Celtics have a shot at winning 70 games and if that happens then they will go all the way this year. I'm okay with the Celts winning their 17th championship because they've been in a long drought and I don't want to see the Spurs get another undeserved trophy. F U C K THE SPURS!!!
If the Atlanta Hawks continue what they have done so far they will probably be in the playoffs with possibly 46 wins and in that case i would vote for Mike Woodson.
i agree with the pumpkin. mcmillan has done more with less, but so has woodson. the celtics are a gimme, of course they will have a terrific record. but i will be more impressed with the blazers or the hawks if either of those teams reach 50 wins, so i think that mcmillan or woodson should get this award.
Some of you cats need to get Kobe's **** up out your mouths. I like the guy, but that doesn't blind me to the reality that he was a whining distraction before the season. That said, I think Rivers should be the front runner if the Celtics win more than 65 games. Sure, having the big three is almost unfair, but this is their first year together. The offense clicks like they've been together for years and the total team defense is better than just about anyone anticipated. That's outstanding coaching. If they win fewer than 65, I'd have to go with whoever has the best record between McMillan and Woodson, assuming both teams finish above .500. Phil Jackson would get honorable mention if he get the Lakers to win in the mid 50s.
Last edited by techenhance on January 2nd at 8:36 PM.
No love for last year's coach of the year? Just because Sam Mitchell already won last year doesn't mean he doesn't deserve at least SOME consideration heading into this year. He's got the Raptors at a better W-L at this point in the year than last year, and that's on top of injuries to key players in TJ Ford, Jorge Garbajosa, Chris Bosh for a few stretches, and even Bargnani a while back. They're certainly not going to contend for the Atlantic, but if the Raptors improve on their record from last year, Sam Mitchell will be seriously considered for a repeat.
i dont think the "Coach of the Year" plum should go to Doc Rivers.
After the Celtics' acquisition of new/better players like KG and Allen...it is but just expected of him to bring the team to where it is right now...
I see nothing new...nothing spectacular with what is happening right now with the Celtics... They are but expected to win and win and win with their current OVERLY EXPENSIVE player roster...
"Coach of the Year" plum should be given to a coach WITH the same players/line-up but whose team keeps on improving or at least keeping up on a high level...
Rivers may be considered as Coach of the Year but only after Gregg, Mike, Stan VG, Flipp and ok...i'l give it to him...Doc Rivers..
Oh great, the same argument against Belichick winning the COY in the NFL is being used against Doc Rivers to win it in the NBA. Everybody hates a winner.
with the line up Boston has i could be 26 and 3. Not saying Doc isn't a good coach, but when you have a team with the line up they have anyone could sit on the bench and say go win the game boys.
Doc Rivers has been awful as a head coach in the NBA, just look at his career winning percentage. He's the beneficiary of good players. Shamrock, maybe you should stick to the NFL because you obviously don't know anything about the NBA.
Flip Saunders should definitely be coach of the year. He has consistently led Detroit and they are much improved over last year. While Doc Rivers and the Celtics are getting all the glory and numerous publicity and commercials, Detroit is business as usual, no limelight no headlines, no superstars and yet they are only 3 games behind Boston with essentially the same team from last year. I agree with 3 superstars on the Celtics pretty much any coach in the league could have them playing at the level they are playing at....
Yeah, Kobe went about voicing his displeasure with the team in the wrong way over the summer. I give the guy the benefit of the doubt, he'd just lost a playoff series against the same team for the 2nd year in a row and they werent even competitive last year as they were the year before. But he wasnt whining about it all the way up until training camp. And I'd hardly called it a distraction with the way they've been playing. Sure, they couldnt beat the Celtics, but that wasnt because of the drama surrounding Kobe. Dude, get off his ####, the media wouldnt let the story die. Kobe, didnt once say anything about what happened over the summer unless the media asked him about it. How thats whining when you're asked the same questions over and over again, you've got me. The media wouldnt allow it to die. And in a COY article you still couldnt resist bringing it up again. Pathetic. You seem to want it to become a distraction by bringing it up constantly whenever talking about the Lakers.
Kobes, in play basketball mode. You media types are the ones that refuse to let this die down. Now who's whining?
Heres a snippet from his article on the 27th of Dec about who would you want to build your team around. And again he cant resist being negative about Kobe.
"These days, the Los Angeles Lakers have become the vogue again knocking on the door in the Pacific Division, and raising his level of play – along with everybody else – has been the NBA king of notoriety, Kobe Bryant."
Was that really necessary? It almost sounds like a positive comment until the end. Really hating on Kb24
Last edited by corona10 on January 3rd at 6:52 AM.
Ainge should get Exec of the Year. Doc is just rolling the ball out there. I don't believe there is too much coaching going on. Just a lot of isolation plays.
Doc Rivers does not deserve coach of the year. He is just lucky that he got three all stars on his team that can all put up 25-30 points on any given night. All he has to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. Thats why they are not going to win the Chapionship this year
Doc all the way. Like the guy said KG is going to bring that intensity on the defensive side but getting Pierce and Allen to play D was not expected and 27-3 at this point with new stars and new role players this early in the season you gotta admitt that Doc deserves it. Let the haters hate.
Typical bandwagon riders. Any jerk off the street can coach the Celtics to 26 wins with this bunch. I love Doc Rivers as a player, analyst, and person but no way should he even be considered.
Detroit? Get serious! They're in contention EVERY year. Saunders has finally won them over and they are playing consistent basketball, but there's nothing here that should make him a favorite.
Mitchell? Puh-leeze! The Raptors may be worse than last year. The only reason anyone knows about them is because of Bosh's Youtube video.
There are only two coaches who even deserve any mention: Nate McMillan and Mike Woodson. I think even if the Blazers miss the playoffs you have to give him the nod.
27-3 and Doc shouldn't be COTY?
What does he need to do? This is the same group that claimed this team cannot play defense and has no bench. What the hell is wrong with you all? Doc brings in a defensive assistant that turns the worst D into the best in less then a year. thats great coaching. Yeah, it means nothing now but 27-3 Please!!!
Lakerfan, all of uss spurs fans love it when everyone says #### the spurs!! We just laugh our #### off as we enjoy our latest well deserved trophy. Why are you ####ing, you won 3 trophies this decade and if you go by undserving, how about that sacramento series. Ya'll got every damn call in that series. I guess when the pistons beat you in the finals, they didn't deserve it either. So the only team that deserves a title is the lakers? Your an ####, get off the blog if you can;t understand what it takes to win a championship, regardless if it is your team or not
Don't get me wrong, I love Doc Rivers, always have. But let's be real. Celtics' fans have been predicting the Celtics to win everything ever since they got Garnett and Allen.
Anyone who urges caution or questions even the possibility that the Celtics are going to win it all are labeled haters.
Now you are saying what a great coach Rivers is for winning with them, like it is some great surprize.
If you go by the hype and the expectations, anything less than a championship is going to be considered a failure by many.
You can't have it both ways. Either the players are all that good that there is no way they are going to lose, or they are not all that good and it is the coach who is responsible for getting them to win.
And sorry, but it is still too early in the season to be chosing any award winners, coaches or players.
And if all you are going to look at is record, then why didn't Avery Johnson win last year?
All of these guys are great, however because they are provided with great players.. lots of them, and the teams are based in areas that are considered main stream for fans. You have to look at Jerry Sloan.. the guy has been with Utah for 20 years and has had so many different players to deal with, yet he still maintains a winning record. Stockon and Malone, now Williams and Boozer, he has developed some of the best players out there. Last season he took a team who was terrible the previous year and they went to the Western Conference Finals. Winning records means a little bit, but you have to look at coaches who deserve it, guys that haven't won it before, it shouldn't be a contest of who gets the most media attention wins coach of the year. It's Sloans year.
Anyone can coach three all-stars to play nice together? Anyone can coach two all-stars known only for their offensive abilities to contribute significantly to the NBA's best defense? Anyone can coach a team that, outside of three players, was a roster full of unknowns and question marks?
Seriously, the stuff the C's have done so far is amazing. Having three all-stars on your roster certainly helps, but there's so much going on with the Celtics outside of Pierce, Garnnett, and RAllen that can only be attributed to coaching.
And this is ignoring the fact that taking three all-stars, all of which who were "the man" for their respective former teams, are playing so well together along with their unknown role players. You're not born with the ability to really play as a team, you're coached it. And the C's are really playing together as a team, regardless of superstardom.
Looking at the Knicks only proves the point. Plenty of talent with way too many personalities.
I think Boston's success has to do with mainly Kevin Garnett. His professionalism, and team first attitude and hard work ethic has definitely rubbed off on this team. It may be Paul Pierce's team, but KG will make them great. Just his unwillingness to allow the media to focus the spotlight on just him speaks volumes for the caliber player he is. That being sad, I do think Doc should be considered, but not more than Portland's HC.
As for Boston? Well if Kg wasnt there, this team would not be nearly as good as they are. And that has little to do with Doc Rivers imo.
coach of the year dont replace a nba title ring...so give the coachs award to whom may or may not deserve it..the pistona are going to run away with nba title...bad boys revisited..
Smackdown SeaMonkeys,
Amen to that!
Jerry Sloan is the fifth in total wins (second in active coaches behind Pat Riley) and yet year in and year out he gets ignored.
It's about time he got recognized for his accomplishments.
----Chowderheads---
Headlines 1/06/2008:
Pistons Route Celtics !!
Following the deconstruction of the three lifetime NBA underachievers..
After the 102-74 beat-down the Pistons give the exhausted Celtics. The 40+ minutes per game will finally show on court at the Palace ...
Team-work and Defense wins Championships in the NBA !!!!
Stick with the Pats...They'll probably be upset by the Jags anyways...
Its rare that most Celtics fans comment that Rivers is a strong coach. Good guy, good smile, positive words for the press but limited in his strategy. The major improvement (besides the obvious-Garnett) has been their defense which is 110% run by new assistant, Tom Thibodeau. Doubtful that Rivers could get 50% of the improvement by himself.
Here we are, only 30 somthing games into a 70 something game season and we're talking about coach of the year? There is WAY too much basketball left to play to already start talking that mess. I love my Celtics and thing Doc is the best thing since sliced bread, but what happend should the Celtics loose just about the rest of their games? Highly unlikely, sure, but there still is way too many games left to play!
Doc Rivers has done a tremendous job. You take shaq out of LA and guess what phil jackson doesnt win a nba title. you take micheal jordon out of chicago and guess what phil jacksone doesnt win an nba title there either Yeah Doc has Keven Garnett so what. Alot of coaches had great ball players who could carry them. Chicago Bulls were a 500 team with out Jordan. It takes special players to win championships
Being a Spurs fan, I naturally want to see Pop get the award except that I know he despises accolades like these. He's very modest, class act, gives credit to his players. He'll tell you he's just doing his job.
I like Doc but as has already been mentioned, with Celtics current lineup how could anyone miss?!
Phil Jackson? He ought to get some kind of award for putting up Kobe, just not COY!
I still think its to early to decide but if the season was over today I'd say Byron Scott deserves consideration, Nate mcM. & Don Nelson in part for what he did last year & carried over into this year!
Poor "LakersFansince1980" ;)
Just like his boy Kobe, if you can't win, then whine, throw a temper tantrum, etc.! You want "your trophy" back LF? Come take it from my Spurs! Ain't gonna happen by your boys!
I like Doc but as has already been mentioned, with Celtics current lineup how could anyone miss?!
Phil Jackson? He ought to get some kind of award for putting up Kobe, just not COY!
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Smackdown SeaMonkeys ,
Amen to that brother!!
Jerry Sloan has one of the best win/loss records in the NBA yet he still gets overlooked.
It's about time he got recognized for his accomplishments.
Smackdown SeaMonkeys ,
Amen to that brother!!
Jerry Sloan has one of the best win/loss records in the NBA but he still gets over looked.
It's about time that he got accomplishments.
Coaching in the NBA is overrated. If the talent is there that will make a coach Job alot more easier. Coaches do have to get players to play together very important. Coaches do have to find a identity for his team.(example D'antoni likes to run) But if the talent isnt there or if guys isnt willing to work hard no matter what, then its nothing a coach can do.
So far i think the coach of the year amounts to two people. Sam Mitchell or Doc Rivers. Sam because he has the least bit of talent and his main player is out for the year. Doc Rivers job is easy cause he has the talent, but the Celts are 26-3 after playing together for the first time. three wins from last years total. he really has these guys ready to contend. And the hardest thing for a coach is to coach three superstar egos and have them on the same page. Doc is doing it.
