With about six games left in the season, it's still a bit early to reflect on playoff matchups. Try telling that to the Lakers and Mavs. A lot can happen in the standings before season's end, but I do feel that it's safe to pass judgment and praise on the men at the helms of these teams. Below are my Coach of the Year candidates.
Gregg Popovich (San Antonio)/Phil Jackson (Los Angeles)- Is it a crime to post these guys together? Let's be honest, these guys are so great that it's hard not to take them for granted and move on to the coaches who are not given. The "Zen Master" once again has the Lakers looking like a well-oiled machine heading into the playoffs. The banged up Spurs are limping into the playoffs, but until proven otherwise, the Spurs have the best record in the league. "Pop" has worked wonders with a nearly completely retooled roster. Phil Jackson does a great job managing egos and Gregg Popovich does a great job making it seem like egos don't exist in that part of Texas.
George Karl (Denver)- The 'Melo-less Nuggets were supposed to ride of into the sunset like John Wayne and be the poster-team for why the CBA should be passed, right? The Nuggets must be well-versed in their Dylan Thomas because that has yet to be the case. At 13-4 since the trade, the Nuggets are jockeying for playoff position and have completely bought into Karl's new run-like-hell offense and hounding defense. The strengths of Karl's teams ever since his days in Seattle have been a concept of family and deep rotations. Having just signed a three-year extension, it would seem like both Karl and the Nuggets have nothing to lose heading into April.
Tom Thibodeau (Chicago)- While definitely the beneficiary of a Derrick Rose breakout season, Thibodeau also touts the best defense in the league and has traversed a season laden with injuries as well as his ever-talented point guard. The Bulls sit atop the East and with the exception of Carlos Boozer playing like something else that comes from a bull, they're healthy and dangerous and it has everything to do with Thibodeau's basketball knowledge and values.
Doug Collins (Philadelphia)- Here is a man worthy of his own article, but to put it simply, Collins has reenergized this entire fan base and franchise. Collins has showed a young club how to play the right way. As a result, the Sixers compete on a nightly basis with any team in the league. Most importantly, he has every player knowing and playing their role, including doing what no coach has ever done before: Making Iggy a facilitator.
Honorable Mention:
Nate McMillan (Portland)- Once again successfully navigating the injury minefield known as Portland to get his team to the playoffs. If Aldridge can continue to play at a high level, they may get well more than a berth.
Rick Adleman (Houston)/Paul Silas (Charlotte)- If you can name me all ten players that make up the starting lineups of both of these teams without using the Internet, I owe you the beverage of your choice. These teams won't make the playoffs, which makes my argument irrelevant, but the fact that these teams are playing meaningful ball at this point is a testament to the quality of these coaches. Plus, the only team more banged up than the Celts and Spurs this year have been the Cats. Silas taking over mid-season for Larry Brown in such a situation is incredible, to say the least.
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