The race for the NBA Coach of the Year award has begun. There is no clear favorite for Coach of the Year. Depending on the team’s performance in the second half of the season, the frontrunner for this award could change.
The odds of him winning NBA Coach of the Year among the four coaches are less than 10/1. Let’s see who is leading the pack.
There are a few long shots to take into account as well. If the New York Knicks continue to improve, Tom Thibodeau could be able to push himself outside of the top five.
Erik Spoelstra, who is already regarded as one of the most respected coaches in the league, may receive more support for Coach of the Year if the Miami Heat see a dramatic increase in their ranking.
The list of candidates for 2024 NBA Coach of the Year is long. Here are the five coaches most likely (according to DraftKings) to win the award at the All-Star break.
5 – Rick Carlisle, Indiana Pacers (18/1)
When Tyrese Haliburton was healthy, the Pacers had one of the best offenses in the league. Carlisle led the Pacers beyond expectations. They are in the top six in the East and are strong contenders for the playoffs. The Pacers are aiming to advance to the season tournament finals and advance to the playoffs.
4 – Tyronn Lue, Los Angeles Clippers (+600)
Lue has managed the egos of several superstars including Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Paul George and Russell Westbrook . After a terrible start, Lue has built a cohesive offensive system.
He got Westbrook and Harden to accept roles as backup scorers and playmakers. The Clippers have been one of the best teams since the calendar changed back.
No. 3 – JB Bickerstaff, Cleveland Cavaliers (+425)
Bickerstaff has skyrocketed his odds. The Cavaliers are on a roll after a hot start in February, rapidly climbing up the East standings.
Bickerstaff managed to keep things going despite multiple injuries to starters, including Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. Donovan Mitchell is playing at an MVP level and the Cavaliers have exceeded all expectations this season.
2 – Chris Finch, Minnesota Timberwolves (+225)
The Timberwolves maintain his one of the best records in the league all season. Finch has spent much of the season coaching them into becoming one of the best defenses in the league.
If the Timberwolves finish with the best record in the West, Finch could be a candidate for NBA Coach of the Year.
1 – Mark Daigneault, OKC Thunder (+200)
Thunder has one of the best records in the league. Daigneault led a group of young players to an early victory that exceeded expectations.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is an MVP candidate and the Thunder are the top team in the West. Daigneault also contributed to the team’s winning record despite being undersized most nights.
