30. Joe Mazzulla, Boston Celtics
It’s been a tumultuous offseason for the Boston Celtics. Just weeks before the season tips off, the biggest NBA story of the Summer broke with reports that Celtics coach Ime Udoka is to be suspended for the entire 2022-23 campaign. As more details surfaced, it was revealed that Udoka had engaged in a relationship with one of his female coworkers — breaking team rules. Though Udoka hasn’t been officially let go, he will not be on the sideline this upcoming year as the Celtics attempt to return to the NBA Finals.
In his place, lead assistant Joe Mazzulla was named interim coach. This is a disastrous outcome for all parties involved. From a basketball perspective, the Celtics likely would have preferred former top assistant Will Hardy wasn’t poached by Danny Ainge’s Utah Jazz this offseason. More than likely, Hardy would be named interim coach if he was still on the staff. For Mazzulla, this is a monumental opportunity for the former West Virginia basketball standout. He’s been a Celtics assistant since 2019, and led Division II Fairmont State to a 43-17 record in two seasons with the Fighting Falcons
Image Source: Paul Rutherford/USA TODAY Sports
29. Will Hardy, Utah Jazz
You knew it wouldn’t take long for Jazz President Danny Ainge to begin injecting some Boston flavor into his new club. Ainge poached Will Hardy from the Celtics bench and named the 34-year-old the youngest head coach in the league. And, Hardy was given a five-year deal showing that Utah entrusted its new coach with the future of the team.
It certainly helps to have that cushion after the Jazz traded away their two top players in Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert this offseason. Ainge believes that Hardy will be able to guide Utah through the rebuilding process and become one of the brightest coaches in the league.
Image Source: Chris Gardner/USA TODAY Sports
28. Wes Unseld Jr., Washington Wizards
The son of the Wizards Hall of Famer, Wes Unseld Jr. finally got his shot at a head coaching gig after working as an assistant for 16 years. Unseld could not have began his head coaching career at a more tumultuous time. In his first season, the Wizards dealt with more absences due to COVID-19 protocols than any team in the league. There was no telling which players were able to suit up on a nightly basis. The team’s lone All-NBA player from the prior season, Bradley Beal, was limited to just 40 games. Still, Unseld did a fine job in maximizing his talent amidst the circumstances.
Image Source: Jim Dedmon/USA TODAY Sports
27. Darvin Ham, Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers’ lengthy coaching search ended with the team locking-in former Milwaukee assistant Darvin Ham as their next lead man. Ham was credited for his close work with Milwaukee’s two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, and has been revered for quite some time around the league. He’s inheriting a talented, yet flawed roster which features two of the best players in the league in LeBron James and Anthony Davis. As Ham will quickly find out, coaching the Lakers isn’t always the most enviable job. This is a franchise that ousted Frank Vogel just two seasons after he led the team to an NBA title. The Lakers expect immediate success, putting Ham in a tough spot in his first attempt as head coach.
Image Source: Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports
26. Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City Thunder
Mark who? Those who don’t know who this is are not alone. The 37-year-old, a former student manager at Connecticut, was promoted from assistant with Oklahoma City to head coach prior to the ’21 season. He previously worked as an assistant coach for the University of Connecticut and Florida before being named head coach of the Thunder’s G-League affiliate, Oklahoma City Blue. Despite leading an undermanned roster, Daigenault has impressed through two years in OKC. The Thunder have been in rebuilding mode over the last several years, and that could continue for the foreseeable future. It will be interesting to see if Daigenault is granted the leeway to see the rebuild through.
Image Source: Alonzo Adams/USA TODAY Sports
25. Chauncey Billups, Portland Trail Blazers
Former All-Star and NBA Champion was waiting for just the right opportunity to rejoin the league. Billups had been linked to several executive and coaching vacancies before being named the coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. His first year could not have gone much worse. Star guard Damian Lillard was limited to just 29 games, while starters C.J. McCollum, Norman Powell and Robert Covington were all traded away. Still, the Blazers believe in Billups’ coaching ability — evidenced by their offseason moves to add Jerami Grant and Gary Payton II. We’ll get a much better gauge of Billups on the sideline with a rejuvenated Portland roster this season.
Image Source: Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY Sports
24. Steve Nash, Brooklyn Nets
It’s been a wild ride in Brooklyn for former two-time league MVP Steve Nash. After being hand-picked by the Nets’ stars, Nash appeared to be the next, great coach in the league. A savvy guard during his playing days, it was expected that Nash would guide a star-studded Nets team to multiple Finals wins. That expectation grew after the Nets acquired James Harden midway through the ’21 season. In two years on Brooklyn’s bench, Nash has led the Nets to just one playoff series win.
The team was unceremoniously swept by the eventual Eastern Conference Champion Boston Celtics last year, leading some to believe Nash’s job was in jeopardy. It seems like the air has been cleared in Brooklyn, as Nash, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving appear to be on track to return for the 2022-23 season. Could this be the last chance for this Brooklyn group to get it right?
Image Source: Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports
23. Mike Brown, Sacramento Kings
The Kings went with a familiar face following their coaching search this offseason. Mike Brown’s NBA coaching career began all the way back in 1997 with the Washington Wizards. Since then, he’s been head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers — guiding teams that were led by all-time greats in LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. Brown sports a pristine .616 winning percentage, and is coming off being an assistant with the reigning NBA Champion Golden State Warriors. The Kings hope Brown can bring that winning pedigree to a team that hasn’t reached the postseason since 2006.
Image Source: Darren Yamashita/USA TODAY Sports
22. Stephen Silas, Houston Rockets
A longtime assistant with Golden State, Charlotte and Dallas, Silas was named head coach of the Houston Rockets prior to the 2020 season. It was not an easy start as Silas had to navigate through the end of James Harden’s tenure with the team. Though, Harden’s departure certainly lowered the expectations and pressure for a young Houston squad. Now, the Rockets appear primed for the future with Jalen Green and No. 3 overall pick Jabari Smith Jr. as building blocks.
Image Source: Mike Weake/USA TODAY Sports
21. Jamahl Mosley, Orlando Magic
Jamahl Mosley was named the next head coach of the Orlando Magic prior to last season. Mosley stepped into a rebuilding situation with an Orlando team filled with young talent. The Magic did about as expected, finishing the season 22-60 while first-year forward Franz Wagner was named to the All-Rookie First Team. The Magic lucked out in the lottery and were awarded the No. 1 overall pick in the draft which was used on Duke star Paolo Banchero. With Banchero, Wagner, and Jalen Suggs in tow, the Magic have done an exceptional job of acquiring promising players. Now, it will be up to Mosley to prove he can maximize the talent of those players over the next few seasons.
Image Source: David Richard/USA TODAY Sports
20. Steve Clifford, Charlotte Hornets
Steve Clifford is back in Charlotte, but was he the team’s first choice? Clifford was previously the team’s head coach from 2014-18, where he guided the franchise to two postseason appearances and nearly 200 wins. Then, Clifford spent the following three seasons in Orlando where he reached the playoffs in both ’19 and ’20. This offseason, the Hornets were reportedly connected to Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson for their head coaching vacancy. Atkinson ultimately decided to turn down the offer, leading the Hornets to reach out to a familiar face in Clifford. Will Clifford’s second tenure in Charlotte go better than the first?
Image Source: Alonzo Adams/USA TODAY Sports
19. J.B. Bickerstaff, Cleveland Cavaliers
Just over 40 years old, Bickerstaff has already been head coach of three NBA teams – either full-time or on an interim basis. His short tenure with the Cavaliers has already proven to be the most successful. Despite entering the year with minimal expectations, Cleveland was one of the surprise teams last season en route to earning its first playoff appearance since LeBron James left town. We could see this group take an even bigger leap in ’23 with the addition of three-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell.
Image Source: Ken Blaze/USA TODAY Sports
18. Willie Green, New Orleans Pelicans
Willie Green pulled all the right strings in his first year as coach. The Pelicans overcame several hurdles en route to a postseason appearance. It would have been easy for the Pelicans to fold amidst a 3-16 start and the absence of star Zion Williamson. Instead, Green had the Pels playing their best basketball towards the end of the season and gave the No. 1 seed Phoenix Suns all they could handle in the first-round. Green’s willingness to give meaningful playing time to rookies paid off in the long-run as Herbert Jones, Jose Alvarado and Trey Murphy were all integral in the Pelicans’ strong second-half. Green has earned the buy-in of his top players, and if Williamson can return healthy this Pelicans team could be a force to be reckoned with.
Image Source: Stephen Lew/USA TODAY Sports
17. Dwane Casey, Detroit Pistons
Though things have been rough for Casey over four seasons with the Pistons, he’s enjoyed a stellar NBA coaching career. He’s won more than 470 games as head coach of Minnesota, Toronto and Detroit. He was also the NBA Coach of the Year in 2018. Casey remains one of the most respected coaches in the league, by both players and his peers. The Pistons are trying to find their way at the moment, so it will be interesting to see if Casey is the guy to guide them long-term.
Image Source: Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY Sports
16. Tom Thibodeau, New York Knicks
After just two seasons, is it fair to say Thibodeau’s act is already wearing thin in the Big Apple? It has been the same story for the defensive-minded coach over his last three stops. Thibodeau joins a young team, immediately leads them to the playoffs, and then wears down his stars before being let go. The former Bulls and T’Wolves coach is notorious for being particularly tough on young players, much to the chagrin of the Knicks faithful. To be fair, it is a bit puzzling to see an over-the-hill veteran like Taj Gibson (18.2 MPG) earn more playing time than a lottery pick like Obi Toppin (17.1 MPG). Thibs is undoubtedly a savvy defensive-mind, though his personality can clash with the team’s he’s coached.
Image Source: Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports
15. Chris Finch, Minnesota Timberwolves
All eyes will be on Chris Finch and his team this season. Finch took over for previous coach Ryan Saunders midway through the ’21 campaign. In his first full season as coach, Finch led the Timberwolves to a 46-36 record and a playoff appearance — just the second postseason berth for Minnesota since 2004. Now, the T’Wolves enter the year expected to land in the playoff field with a lineup consisting of four former All-Stars. The biggest question will be how Finch chooses to deploy his two big men — Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert — in a league which emphasizes guard play.
Image Source: Nick Wosika/USA TODAY Sports
14. Mike Malone, Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets have only gotten better with Malone in charge. Denver reached the West Finals in ’20, but have been plagued with injuries over the last two years. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. have been out for extended periods of time, leaving the Nuggets with Nikola Jokic and a set of role players. Still, Malone has guided the Nuggets to four consecutive playoff appearances, and is certainly in line for a fifth consecutive berth with Murray and Porter Jr. set to return in ’23.
Image Source: Isaiah J. Downing/USA TODAY Sports
13. Nate McMillan, Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks made the move to Nate McMillan midway through the ’21 campaign amidst a sluggish start. Giving the reins to the veteran coach paid off, as the Hawks won 27-of-38 to end the regular season followed by an unlikely run to the Eastern Conference Finals. Stunningly, it was the first time a McMillan-led team made it past the first round since 2005. Year 2 didn’t go quite as well for the Hawks. Though they finished above .500 for the second-straight year, the Hawks failed to live up to lofty expectations and were promptly bounced by their first-round opponent the Miami Heat in five games. With Dejounte Murray now in tow, Atlanta once again enters the season with big goals. A disappointing year could led to McMillan being placed on the hot seat.
Image Source: Brett Davis/USA TODAY Sports
12. Billy Donovan, Chicago Bulls
Chicago made a smart choice by grabbing a guy like Donovan to help mold the club back into a winner. Donovan’s time had run out in Oklahoma City, where he had a winning record in each of his five seasons, but no real playoff success. While the Thunder are rebuilding, the Bulls are ready to compete with three All-Stars in Zach Lavine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic. Chicago got off to a hot start in ’22 before being setback by a bevy of injuries to its top players. If the group can be healthy in ’23, the Bulls could once again be among the top Eastern Conference squads.
Image Source: Alonzo Adams/USA TODAY Sports
11. Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks
Jason Kidd was the exact type of coach needed for the Dallas Mavericks to thrive. After parting ways with 13-year coach Rick Carlisle, Kidd’s more lax-style was a breath of fresh air for the Mavs. Dallas star Luka Doncic seemed to take well to his new coach, as did role players like Dorian Finney-Smith and Reggie Bullock who enjoyed exceptional years under Kidd. In his first year with the team, Kidd led Dallas to a Western Conference Finals appearance and an impressive victory over the No. 1 seed Phoenix Suns. Perhaps all of those disappointing years as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks perfectly prepared the Hall of Famer for his current job.
Image Source: Kelley L. Cox/USA TODAY Sports
10. Rick Carlisle, Indiana Pacers
One of three active NBA coaches with at least 800 career wins. Carlisle, who guided the Mavericks to the league title in 2011, has been going strong since making his coaching debut with Detroit in 2001. Carlisle, who also won an NBA title as a player, returned to Indiana last year after coaching the Pacers from ’03-’08. Interestingly, the perennially-successful Carlisle joined a club that wasn’t exactly ready to compete for a title. The team further signaled its rebuilding plan after shipping off Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon over the last calendar year. It will be interesting to see how long Carlisle sticks around as the Pacers likely will be one of the bottom teams in the Eastern Conference.
Image Source: Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports
9. Taylor Jenkins, Memphis Grizzlies
After spending time as an assistant with Atlanta and Milwaukee, Jenkins was named head coach of the Grizzlies prior to the 2019-20 season. He inherited a young team, but not one without talent. Jenkins’ Grizzlies finished 34-39 in his first year. In Year 2, Jenkins led the Grizzlies to a playoff appearance. In his third season, Jenkins made a case for Coach of the Year. The upstart Grizz went 56-26 and earned the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Had it not been for an untimely injury to star guard Ja Morant, the Grizzlies may have gone even further than their second-round finish. The Grizzlies will be a viable threat for years to come.
Image Source: Justin Ford/USA TODAY Sports
8. Mike Budenholzer, Milwaukee Bucks
After years of coming up just short, Mike Budenholzer and the Milwaukee Bucks finally got over the hump and captured the NBA title in 2021. Budenholzer pulled all the right strings in Milwaukee’s magical run which saw the Bucks overcome a 2-0 deficit to the Phoenix Suns in the Finals. Budenholzer has always been lauded as a good coach, holding a strong .592 winning percentage throughout his career. Now that he’s captured that elusive title, Budenholzer can relax a bit as the Bucks will be a perennial contender for as long as Giannis Antetokounmpo is in Milwaukee.
Image Source: Jeff Swinger/USA TODAY Sports
7. Monty Williams, Phoenix Suns
Last year’s Coach of the Year is an interesting spot. In less than two full seasons, Williams turned the Suns into a contender in the always-tough Western Conference. Players respect him, and he has respect for the game. Williams is not flashy, but a strong communicator who understands the nuances of today’s NBA. And, that it’s possible to get your stars to buy into a team concept of play. However, there are concerns following Phoenix’s disastrous playoff run following a near-perfect regular season. Williams has the chance to silence a ton of critics if the Suns can bounce-back after an embarrassing Game 7 defeat to the Dallas Mavericks.
Image Source: Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports
6. Doc Rivers, Philadelphia 76ers
Rivers is one of just 10 coaches to win over 1,000 games in his career. He won an NBA title with Boston in 2008, and now is trying to guide the Sixers to their first since 1983. Philadelphia is one of the best teams in the East, so we’ll see if it’s good enough to win it all. Rivers’ experience, demeanor and passion for the game – on and off the court – makes him the right guy to get the job done. Though, he was unable to do so with the Los Angeles Clippers last decade.
Image Source: Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports
5. Tyronn Lue, Los Angeles Clippers
One of the few in NBA history to win a title as both player and head coach. He’ll forever be revered as a guy who brought the Cleveland Cavaliers their first NBA championship in 2016. Having LeBron James helped, obviously. Can he do the same with the Clippers? The team has dealt with a bevy of injuries to its star players since Lue took over. Though, Lue has done a fine job of exceeding expectations despite missing Kawhi Leonard and Paul George for extended time. If the stars can stay healthy, Lue has proven he has the smarts and leadership skills to lead a team to the mountain top.
Image Source: Jayn Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports
4. Nick Nurse, Toronto Raptors
Nurse has literally coached all around the world. However, Toronto has brought him quick success. During his first two seasons as head coach of the Raptors, Nurse won 111 games and an NBA title. The 2021 campaign was rough for the 2020 NBA Coach of the Year, as Toronto was forced to play its home games in Tampa, Flroida. However, ’22 saw a bounce back as the Raptors returned to Toronto and won 48 games despite losing point guard and leader Kyle Lowry to the Miami Heat. Nurse is a proven strategist who has won over 60-percent of his games since joining the Raptors.
Image Source: Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports
3. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs
Does it get much better than “Pop?” The all-time great became the winningest coach in NBA history last year with 1,344 and counting. He’s won five NBA titles with the Spurs (1999, 2003, ’05, ’07, ’14) and is a three-time league coach of the year. He’s outspoken, an activist and not a fan of bad federal government. Popovich might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but respect must be given when it comes to his success and longevity within the NBA.
Image Source: Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY Sports
2. Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors
In addition to winning five NBA titles as a player, Kerr has now won four (’15, ’17, ’18 and ’22) as a coach with Golden State. Last year’s may have been his most impressive coaching job to date. Though the Warriors were expected to take a backseat to some of the other Western Conference powers, Golden State ran roughshod through the West in the playoffs en route to a sixth NBA Finals appearance in eight years. Though having Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson surely helps, Kerr’s tinkering of lineups and defensive adjustments made all the difference down the stretch. Kerr’s .682 regular season winning percentage ranks fourth all-time.
Image Source: Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports
1. Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat
There was a time when Spoelstra was considered “overrated” as a head coach. The knock by NBA critics was that he only won because he had elite talent (LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, anyone?). That might be the case, but Spoelstra, who’s won 660 NBA games since taking over the Heat in 2008, has endured just two losing seasons as a coach. We didn’t even mention that he’s won two NBA titles (’12, ’13) and got Miami to the NBA Finals in ’20 (and was one shot away from doing it again last year). At the moment, there’s no coach who gets more out of a roster than Spoelstra.
Image Source: Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports