10. Rick Adelman
The Minnesota Timberwolves could be one of the surprise playoff teams this year. Rick Adelman is a respected, veteran coach who will get the most out of a roster that finally has its two superstars healthy at the same time.
The Minnesota Timberwolves could be one of the surprise playoff teams this year. Rick Adelman is a respected, veteran coach who will get the most out of a roster that finally has its two superstars healthy at the same time.
Everyone loves Mike D'Antoni because he plays a system that is so fun to watch. The Los Angeles Lakers have no plans to tank this year, so if they find a way to sneak in the playoff the D'Antoni love will be off the charts.
If Kevin McHale can somehow find a way to get Dwight Howard to live up to his potential, he deserves the award hands down.
Despite the fact that he never gets the credit he deserves for the San Antonio Spurs run of success, there's always a chance the media will give the award to Gregg Popovich as a career achievement award. Winning his third Coach of the Year would tie him at the top of the list all-time — somewhere he belongs.
Frank Vogel has been one of the most underrated coaches in the league the last few years. His team is on the short list to topple the Heat, so his name will stay at the top of everyone's tongue as long as the Indiana Pacers stay near the top of the standings.
Mark Jackson has everything going for him to win the award this year. He's a respected young coach with a team that is on everyone's short list of squads that are ready to break out. Problem is, plenty of teams have been on that list for a long time before they finally get there, just as the coach of the No. 2 team on this list.
The Miami Heat are the favorite to win their third straight NBA title. That should help Erik Spoelstra win Coach of the Year, but it actually hurts him. When you're team is the most talented in the league, you never get the respect you deserve for winning championship as their coach.
Tom Thibodeau, winner of the award in 2011, leads the team with the best chance to unseat the defending champions this year. If they do, Thibodeau and his cutting-edge defensive schemes will be the reason.
The Los Angeles Clippers have underachieved for years now. If they finally get a top seed in the Western Conference the year that Doc Rivers comes to town, he'll get all the credit.
Scott Brooks and the Oklahoma City Thunder are the perfect storm for a Coach of the Year win. They have the talent to be one of the best teams in the league, but because of Russell Westbrook's injury and their early playoff exit last year, they're coming into the year under the radar. If they get back to being a championship contender, Brooks will run away with the award this year.
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