![Eric Spoelstra has helped guide the Heat to being currently the second seed in the East. [Image Source: Flickr | Marta Sand]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2020/1/17/660x290/b_502x220x82/eric-spoelstra-has-helped-guide-the-heat-to-being-currently-the-second-seed-in-the-east-image-source-flickr-marta-sand_2385389.jpg "Eric Spoelstra has helped guide the Heat to being currently the second seed in the East. [Image Source: Flickr | Marta Sand]")
As the NBA regular season has reached its midpoint, let’s take a look at the leading candidates thus far for Coach of the Year.
As a subjective list, it can be debated as to where each coach belongs. I felt like nine coaches can have a legitimate argument at the moment to be in the running, and I ranked them as to where I thought they should finish if the season ended today.
Eric Spoelstra, Miami Heat
Just look at the team’s starting lineup outside of Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler. Duncan Robinson. Kendrick Nunn. Meyers Leonard. Somehow, someway the Heat are second in the Eastern Conference with a 27-12 record. A recent article by Clutch Points mentions how legendary coach Gregg Popovich credits Spoelstra for Miami’s success.
It's time for Eric Spoelstra to win Coach of the Year.
— Machine Pun Kelly (@KellyScaletta) December 31, 2019
Billy Donovan, Oklahoma City Thunder
After trading superstars Paul George and Russell Westbrook in the offseason, it was widely assumed other veterans would be dealt and Oklahoma City would be in the lottery. Instead, they are five games over .500 at 23-18 and are 12-4 in their last 16 outings. Former NBA player and current analyst, Kendrick Perkins, recently posted him as being the current Coach of the Year.
Billy Donovan challenged Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to do more --- SGA took that advice to heart and delivered his first career triple-double making history in the process. (via @TTOTambz) #ThunderUp https://t.co/cW6YxCh89B
— Thunderous Intentions (@thunderousint) January 14, 2020
Mike Budenholzer, Milwaukee Bucks
While the Bucks had the best record in the East last season, they have improved even more so as their 37-6 record puts them on a 70-win pace. If they continue with their +12.4 point differential, it would be the best in league history.
Mike Budenholzer: Giannis Antetkounmpo's Supermax Decision Hasn't Worn On Bucks https://t.co/O35Ch1jkKC
— RealGM (@RealGM) January 9, 2020
Nate McMillan, Indiana Pacers
Even with Victor Oladipo yet to play in a game this season, Indiana sits fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 26-15 record. They remain in play for home court advantage in the first round despite key starters Malcolm Brogdon and Jeremy Lamb missing 12 and 11 games respectively.
Nate McMillan says Malcolm Brogdon's presence late in the game is ultra-valuable: "He's the guy who establishes our offense and our defense for us. ... It's good to have him back out there." #Pacers pic.twitter.com/8RnlpWRjxd
— FOX Sports Indiana (@FSIndiana) January 16, 2020
Nick Nurse, Toronto Raptors
Many expected the Raptors to take a deep nosedive after winning the NBA Championship last season due to Kawhi Leonard leaving for the Clippers. Instead, Toronto sits fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 25-14 record as their stifling defense ranks second giving up just 104.3 points per 100 possessions.
Ibaka-Siakam-OG-McCaw-Lowry should be a nightmare two-way lineup. Nick Nurse has a lot of toys to play with right now.
— Dan Devine (@YourManDevine) January 16, 2020
Quin Snyder, Utah Jazz
The Jazz are just a game back of second in the Western Conference as they had won their last 10 games until losing in overtime on Thursday. Snyder has helped guide them to that lengthy win streak even with point guard Mike Conley out of action during that entire time.
After last year's #NBAAllStar game snub, Quin Snyder and the Utah Jazz want to make sure Rudy Gobert finally gets his due.https://t.co/uiCH9o2VMt
— KSL (@KSLcom) January 17, 2020
Frank Vogel, Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are atop the Western Conference at 33-8 in Vogel’s first year with the team. They are playing a well-rounded style of ball as they rank fourth in points per 100 possessions (113.3) and third in points allowed per 100 possessions (104.7).
Dwight Howard and Frank Vogel's contrasting reactions to being asked to give the Lakers a letter grade at the halfway mark of the season made me laugh upon re-hearing them while transcribing. pic.twitter.com/38zL7zxSGu
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) January 17, 2020
Taylor Jenkins, Memphis Grizzlies
A rebuild seemed what was in store for the Grizzlies after they traded Mike Conley in the offseason (and Marc Gasol at last season’s trade deadline). Memphis is battling for the postseason in the Western Conference though, and currently do sit in the eighth and final playoff spot.
From overachievers to minute eaters, Part II of our Midseason Report Card on the Grizzlies breaks down the starters for Memphis and the unsung heroes of this recent run of success - Taylor Jenkins and his staff. https://t.co/1OLUUDyO3M pic.twitter.com/RaK3IYWjXs
— Grizzly Bear Blues (@sbnGrizzlies) January 17, 2020
Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics
Losing three starters from last season’s team (Kyrie Irving, Al Horford, and Marcus Morris) made many question the depth of this season’s Boston team. Instead, steps forward from young players such as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown (along with the addition of Kemba Walker) currently has the Celtics in third in the East at 27-13.
Celtics probably weren’t as good as their record suggested at start of year, and they’re not as bad as some make it seem now.
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) January 17, 2020
As Brad Stevens likes to tell his players, you’re never far from either.
On Boston’s midseason funk and lingering questions:https://t.co/JJ3MxFaXbA
