NBA Award Predictions Roundtable: Coach of the Year

3 of 4

Apr 8, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra reacts to a call by an official against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Erik Spoelstra

“The number one team who has made a great run after a rough start is the Miami Heat. Eric Spoelstra has led his underwhelming group to unprecedented success and the seasons longest win streak, and was in prime position to make the postseason at the end of the year after being in the East’s basement for much of the season. My dark horse candidate is Scott Brooks, who has made the Washington Wizards over achieve and look like possible contenders.” –Sam Casey

“The Heat were garbage in 2016 and were very good in 2017, despite having a roster consisting of Goran Dragic, Hassan Whiteside, Dion Waiters, and a bunch of nobody’s. I will admit, Mike D’Antoni, Gregg Popovich, Quinn Snyder, Brad Stevens, and Scott Brooks all deserve consideration for the award.

That being said, Spoelstra got the Heat into the playoff race after a dismal start, and somehow got Dion Waiters to play defense and to play within the team on offense. That’s impressive, and it’s why he deserves this award.” –Shawn James

Next: The Best of the Rest