National Basketball Association

NBA: Power Ranking The 30 NBA Head Coaches Entering 2016-17

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:43 p.m. ET

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May 10, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich gives direction to his team against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

In our latest installment of NBA Power Rankings, we explore and rank all 30 head coaches in the NBA

As we’ve made our way through the NBA offseason, we’ve seen the landscape of the league change quite a bit.

From Kevin Durant, Al Horford and Dwyane Wade switching jerseys to Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan retiring from the NBA, there’s definitely going to be a different feel in 2016-17. What hasn’t been talked about more, however, is the fact that the coaching landscape has seen quite the shift, too.

Luke Walton is now in charge of the youthful Los Angeles Lakers, Frank Vogel made the move (not all his decision) from the Indiana Pacers to the Orlando Magic and even the New York Knicks have a new fearless leader, in Jeff Hornacek.

Oh, and we haven’t even mentioned that Mike D’Antoni and Scott Brooks are back in the NBA, with the Houston Rockets and Washington Wizards respectively.

With that in mind, let’s get to our NBA Head Coaches Power Rankings.

Dec 10, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Miami Heat assistant head coach David Fizdale during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

30. Dave Fizdale, Memphis Grizzlies*

Before you scream at me (yes, I’m looking at you Miami Heat fans), let me explain my reasoning for placing him in this spot. The simple reason why Fizdale, a first-year head coach, checks in at No. 30 is because of just that.

This is his first time he will be the head coach of any team in the professional ranks, and that’s not an easy thing to project. He did great in his role as an assistant with the Miami Heat, and there’s no question that his experience with a team like that (a championship-level franchise) will do wonders for him in Memphis.

However, I’m just not sure what to make of him as a lead coach just yet. He could be great. In fact, I hope he is. And with a stacked Memphis Grizzlies roster, he’s going to be in position to have a really good team in year one. But, as w’eve seen before, it doesn’t always work that way.

We simply don’t know enough about Fizdale just yet.

May 16, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers new head coach Nate McMillan speaks to the press during a press conference at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

29. Nate McMillan, Indiana Pacers

In one of the most absurd moves of the NBA offseason, Larry Bird fired Frank Vogel because he wasn’t happy with the direction of the Indiana Pacers. Specifically the offense, as Bird noted that he’d like the team to sport a high-powered offensive in 2016-17.

So, who does he replace Vogel? Nate McMillan. Of course.

McMillan is no stranger to the NBA. In fact, this will actually be his third stint in the NBA as a head coach. He coached the Seattle Supersonics from 2000-05 and the Portland Trail Blazers from 2005-12. Now, he gets the Pacers.

While McMillan did have some success as a head coach during his first two stints, he only made it out of the first round once. Not great, Sarge. Hopefully, Bird didn’t outsmart himself with this move.

Apr 13, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Earl Watson looks on against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

28. Earl Watson, Phoenix Suns

Earl Watson doesn’t have the experience as some of the other candidates on this list, but the fact that he made a strong impression as an interim head coach, in order to land the full-time gig, says a lot.

Watson isn’t the first name that comes to mind when discussing the better coaches in the NBA, but all early indications are that he has a future in the NBA coaching ranks. And where better place to get his start than the young Suns?

This team and coach will have the luxury to grow together over the next few seasons. Although, it’s going to be interesting to see how this Suns team looks this season. The prevailing thought was that this team was decimated by injuries a season ago, and they could be a borderline playoff team if all goes right.

We’ll see.

Apr 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry speaks with official Scott Foster after a call during the second half of the game against the Chicago Bulls at the Smoothie King Center. The Bulls won 121-116. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

27. Alvin Gentry, New Orleans Pelicans

To say that Alvin Gentry’s first season as head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans didn’t go as planned would be a massive understatement. However, that’s exactly why Gentry finds himself so low on this list.

Despite the myriad of injuries this team had to overcome last season, the Pelicans didn’t look all that different than when Monty Williams was running things. They still underwhelmed on most nights and limped their way to 30 wins.

Even though we can’t fully judge Gentry as a head coach until at the very least the Pelicans give him one healthy season, he didn’t have a great start.

And in today’s short-sighted view, he may not have much more time to prove that he can be a real difference maker for this team.

Jan 31, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek yells to this team during the first half of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Suns at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

26. Jeff Hornacek, New York Knicks

The general consensus on Jeff Hornacek is definitely all over the place. Depending on who you ask, you’ll get a different opinion when it comes to Hornacek. Although, there are a couple things that we do know about the former Phoenix Suns head coach.

For one, he’s creative on the offensive end. That’s not something you question. He’s going to play at an uptempo pace and will probably produce at a high rate. Defensively, while his teams in the past have left a lot to be desired, it usually comes down to effort.

And that’s a real question for any Hornacek-led team.

In the end, Hornacek should probably be a lot higher on this list. But, because of the way he was forced out of Phoenix, I’d honestly play the wait and see game with Hornacek.

As should you.

Mar 29, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Thunder defeated the Suns 109-97. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

25. Scott Brooks, Washington Wizards

After missing out on the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, the good news is that the Washington Wizards managed to come away with Scott Brooks. Even though he wasn’t the best coach on the market this summer, he’s certainly an upgrade from Randy Wittman.

That alone was a win for the Wizards this summer. The biggest thing here is that we really don’t know exactly how good a coach Brooks is. During his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder, his impact was often overlooked because of how much talent that he had on the roster.

Still, he did have a role in the Thunder getting to the NBA Finals in 2012, even though he won’t ever get credit for it. We just don’t know how much, though.

Apr 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown reacts during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

24. Brett Brown, Philadelphia 76ers

Despite not having the best talent in the NBA, to say the least, Brett Brown has consistently gotten the most out of every player on his roster. Heck, even Michael Carter-Williams, who can’t find a role on the Milwaukee Bucks, looked competent with the Sixers.

Though, Brown often gets a bad connotation because of the “tanking” Sixers. Now that Philly ha as some nice young talent joining the roster this season, headlined by Ben Simmons, Dario Saric and (hopefully) Joel Embiid, Brown will be an interesting story to follow.

We’re also about to find out just how good of a coach he really is. 2016-17 will be the first test of that.

Apr 7, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg gestures from the sidelines during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

23. Fred Hoiberg, Chicago Bulls

Fred Hoiberg was supposed to bring a high powered offense and a fun style of play to Chicago. He was also supposed to take this team to the next level, something that Tom Thibodeau failed to do.

Unfortunately, he brought none of that to the Chicago Bulls last season. Instead, the Bulls missed the playoffs and decided to re-tool this summer, starting with sending Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks.

Now, with practically a brand new roster, Hoiberg will have to start over again. It’s going to be interesting to see how veterans Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade, who have seen and been through it all, take to Hoiberg.

At this point, he just hasn’t been a really good coach in the NBA.

May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

22. Jason Kidd, Milwaukee Bucks

After surprising the masses during his first year as the Milwaukee Bucks, in which he led the Bucks to the playoffs as the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference, Kidd’s young Bucks took a bit of a setback last season.

While it would be easy to pile on Kidd, the simple fact was that the Bucks just didn’t have enough shooting to hang with the better teams in the East. On top of that, their big free agent acquisition of the summer kind of blew up in their face.

Signing Greg Monroe hasn’t worked out, and I suppose some of that has to fall on Kidd’s shoulders. After all, it’s his job to make this all work. So far, he hasn’t.

Apr 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone in the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Spurs 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

21. Mike Malone, Denver Nuggets

After taking the majority of the blame for the dysfunction that was taking place inside the Sacramento Kings locker room, or at the very least taking the fall for the organization, Mike Malone has found a nice home in Denver.

Even though the Nuggets failed to make the playoffs last season, Malone is directing a team with arguably the second best young talent – I couldn’t put them ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves, sorry.

The Nuggets’ future is bright. The question is, will Malone be able to continue to push the right buttons in developing this roster? So far, so good.

Jun 21, 2016; El Segunda, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers new head coach Luke Walton talks to the media during a press conference at Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

20. Luke Walton, Los Angeles Lakers

With Steve Kerr missing the first part of last season, many believed that Luke Walton should’ve won last year’s NBA Coach of the Year award. After all, the job he did with the Golden State Warriors was superb.

Although, that’s not the way it works in the NBA. Because he had an assistant tag next to his name, the award went to his boss. Nevertheless, he was awarded with a hefty coaching job – with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Technically, Walton hasn’t been a head coach in the NBA. Though, if what he did last season was any indication, the Lakers seem to be in good hands. And with the young talent that is on the Lakers roster, this team’s future is very bright.

Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue and guard Dahntay Jones (30) celebrate after the Cavaliers defeat the Golden State Warriors 93-89 in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

19. Ty Lue, Cleveland Cavaliers

We know the jokes. This should be LeBron James, not Ty Lue. Cute. Even though having LeBron James on the roster definitely helps Lue and the Cavs, I don’t think we can act like he had no factor in Cleveland winning the NBA championship.

After all, it’s not like the Cavs beat any ordinary team. Cleveland was the underdog and beat an all-time great team. It was quite amazing.

Let’s give Lue some credit here. Maybe the Cavs are here regardless, but the job Lue did in the NBA Finals, especially when the team went down 3-1 can’t be overlooked. Checking in at No. 19 could even be viewed as a bit disrespectful. After all, this is an NBA Champion.

May 16, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets new head coach Kenny Atkinson answers questions from the media during press conference at HSS Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

18. Kenny Atkinson, Brooklyn Nets

You may not know the name Kenny Atkinson yet, but there’s a good chance you will by the end of the season. Perhaps not because the Brooklyn Nets will be the surprise of the NBA, but because of the job that he will do in Brooklyn.

During the last four years, prior to getting hired by the Nets, Atkinson was the assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks, learning under Mike Budenholzer. That’s not a bad place to be, considering that Budenholzer learned under Gregg Popovich.

Even though Atkinson is in a bit of a tough spot, simply by looking at the roster, look for him to only move up this list.

May 30, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Billy Donovan instructs during the second quarter in game seven of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 96-88. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

17. Billy Donovan, Oklahoma City Thunder

Much like Scott Brooks’ first stint as a head coach, it’s tough to gauge just how good of a professional coach Billy Donovan is right now. Equipped with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook during his first season in the NBA, we simply don’t know how good of a coach he is.

In his second year, we’ll find out a bit more. After losing Durant in free agency, Donovan’s job just got a bit more difficult. It’s going to be interesting to see how both he and the Oklahoma City Thunder react.

Of course, this season isn’t going to be the final verdict on Donovan, but we’re definitely going to get a good look into Donovan’s true potential as an NBA head coach. Though, in fairness, he did a superb job against both the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors in the playoffs.

May 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey talks to his team during a timeout in the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

16. Dwane Casey, Toronto Raptors

Dwane Casey often gets overlooked. And when he’s not getting overlooked, he doesn’t get nearly enough credit for the Toronto Raptors’ success. After making a run to the Eastern Conference Finals, enough is enough.

Casey is a good coach. Even though he’s taken advantage of a mostly stacked roster, headlined by DeMar DeRozan Kyle Lowry. Still, with how beat up and how poor the team performed in the postseason, it wasn’t a mere fluke that the Raptors found themselves in the Conference Finals.

Whether you want to believe it or not, Casey had a role in the team succeeding in the playoffs. Though, it’s going to be interesting to see what Casey and the Raptors do as an encore. Part of being a good coach is continuing to take steps forward. That’s the next goal.

Oct 6, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach Dave Joerger during the first half against the Houston Rockets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

15. Dave Joerger, Sacramento Kings

Perhaps somewhat unfairly, Dave Joerger was forced to fall on the sword for the Memphis Grizzlies this season. Either that, or the franchise believed that it was in the best interest of both parties to move on.

Either way, no matter how you digest it, I don’t think anyone will argue that Joerger was a bad coach. That simply wasn’t the case. He succeeded with the Grizzlies. If anything, the team just hit their ceiling with that roster.

Joerger now takes on the challenge that the Sacramento Kings have been during the last few seasons. Question is, will he be the exception?

Since the 2012 NBA season, the Kings have had five different coaches. Woof.

14. Mike D’Antoni, Houston Rockets

Mike D’Antoni is back in the NBA. Let that sink in for a moment; this is great news for everyone involved. It’s especially good news if you were a fan of Mr. 7 Seconds Or Less.

It’s going to be interesting to see if this is the philosophy that MDA embraces with the Houston Rockets. If it is, the Rockets are going to be a must-watch every night on League Pass. James Harden in the 7 second or less offense, YES PLEASE.

Seriously, though, D’Antoni often gets blamed for the disaster that was the Steve Nash-Dwight Howard-Kobe Bryant Lakers, but that team was built for disaster from the start. Not all his fault.

And this is probably the best era of basketball for a coach like D’Antoni.

Apr 8, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder gives Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum (11) instructions during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at EnergySolutions Arena. Utah Jazz on the game 103-91. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

13. Quin Snyder, Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz head coach is probably the best kept secret in NBA coaching right now. Even though he looks like a mad scientist, he’s quite the opposite. Well, actually…he is a mad scientist. He’s a mad NBA scientist.

Hanging his hat on the defensive end, Snyder might be building the biggest threat possible to the Golden State Warriors – defense, size, ugly basketball. It’s all the ingredients that the Cleveland Cavaliers used in order to stymie the perimeter-oriented Dubs in the NBA Finals.

Now, I’m not saying that the Jazz are going to be a top 4 seed in the Western Conference, I’m just saying that we shouldn’t be surprised if they are. They have the talent on paper, and this could finally be the season in which they translate it to wins.

Feb 20, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts reacts during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

12. Terry Stotts, Portland Trail Blazers

Steve Kerr might’ve won’t the NBA’s Coach of the Year award in 2015-16, but I don’t think anyone would argue that Terry Stotts shouldn’t have gotten more consideration. When everyone counted out his club, the Portland Trail Blazers were the surprise of the NBA last season as they made a run to the Western Conference Semifinals.

Let’s remember, this was a team that had just lost LaMarcus Aldridge in free agency, when he decided to take his talents to San Antonio.

Led by Damian Lillard and the emergence of C.J. McCollum and Allen Crabbe, the Blazers quietly made their up the Western Conference standings. Now, heading into the 2016-17, the element of surprise is gone. This is where Stotts’ job becomes even more important.

Apr 15, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford gestures from the sidelines against the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre. The Hornets won 92-87. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

11. Steve Clifford, Charlotte Hornets

If you’re asking why the Charlotte Hornets head coach is ranked No. 11 on this list, I really can’t help you. In fact, 11 might not even do Steve Clifford justice. He’s that good.

Don’t believe me? Just look at the job he did against the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs last season. When they went down 0-2 and lost Nicolas Batum to a bad ankle injury, the Hornets could very well have just laid down.

They didn’t. Instead, they fought their way back to take a 3-2 series lead. Even though the Hornets didn’t win the series, the fact that they even got to a Game 7, despite their injuries, was impressive. Clifford was a huge part in the team changing their game plan after falling short in Games 1 and 2.

May 12, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts in the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

10. Tom Thibodeau, Minnesota Timberwolves

Ah, another old face in a a new place. Arguably the best free agent head coach on the market was awarded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and I couldn’t have loved this pairing any more than I do at the moment.

Sure, Thibs often gets the bad rep as a coach that runs his players into the ground, but that’s not fair. Just look at what happened to the Chicago Bulls when he left the franchise – they never looked the same. Even when Thibs lost players to injury, most notably Derrick Rose, the Bulls at the very least competed. Heck, they even made the playoffs.

Chicago failed to do that last season. And perhaps that’s his biggest compliment. Thibs gets the most out of his guys. Not every coach does.

Thibs and a hungry young team? Sign me up.

Apr 24, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy looks up during the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

9. Stan Van Gundy, Detroit Pistons

Perhaps the definition of a great catch is one that find success in more places than one – and that’s exactly what Stan Van Gundy has shown the ability to do throughout his coaching career in the NBA.

Van Gundy did it in Miami, before he was forced out, in Orlando and now is on his way to finding success in Detroit, too. Equipped with a young team, and one of the better raw centers in the NBA, Van Gundy could be a year or two away from making a big jump with the Pistons.

Even though the Pistons didn’t win any games in the playoffs, they looked awfully impressive in their losses (yes, I know) against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

I know there aren’t moral victories, but for such a young team you have to love the direction of the Pistons.

Apr 22, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens watches from the sideline as they take on the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Hawks 111-103. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

8. Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics

With that said, let’s not get the message twisted. Stevens is a really good coach. There’s a reason why the Boston Celtics, who don’t have the best talent in the world, have been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA recently.

Even though he shouldn’t garner all the credit for the Celtics’ success, he does deserve a good chunk of it. Without Stevens, even with this roster, I’m not sure Boston makes the playoffs last season. That’s his impact.

May 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Frank Vogel is introduced as the new head coach as he talks with media during a press conference at Amway Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

7. Frank Vogel, Orlando Magic

Who knows what the Indiana Pacers were thinking when they decided to cut ties with Frank Vogel. However, the Pacers’ loss is the Magic’s gain. Vogel inherits a weirdly constructed team in Orlando, and definitely has his work cut out for him.

It’s going to be interesting to see what Vogel can muster out of this odd roster in Orlando. Though, if there’s any certainty entering the 2016-17 season with the Magic, it’s that they’re going to be good on defense.

If nothing else, Vogel will coach up a stingy defense. That’s for sure. His issues, or weakness, was the other side of the court – defense. Still, I don’t think Vogel at No. 7 should surprise anyone.

6. Doc Rivers, Los Angeles Clippers

Say what you want about Doc Rivers, but he’s always in the mix – well, sort of. Sure, you can say that the Los Angeles Clippers have somewhat fallen short of expectations as of late, but he’s still one of the better balancer of egos in the NBA.

Laugh if you want, but it’s a real thing and not every coach in the NBA is built for that type of leadership. Rivers has won a championship with the Boston Celtics and has led the first successful era in Clippers basketball in quite some time.

Maybe this will finally be the year that the Clippers break through to the Conference Finals. Maybe not. Either way, no matter who you ask, Rivers is considered one of the top coaches in the NBA.

Feb 21, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra address members of the media at American Airlines Arena about the Heat center Chris Bosh (not pictured) that he will miss the remainder of the season after developing blood clots in his lungs. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

5. Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat

In my humble opinion, Erik Spoelstra is one of the most underrated coaches in the NBA. Year after year, Spo and his staff continues to move the franchise forward by finding diamonds in the rough (Hassan Whiteside, Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson).

Even though LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have moved on from Miami, the Heat have (for the most part) remained relevant thanks in large part to what Spo and his staff has built over the last few seasons.

This will be a big season in writing Spo’s legacy in Miami. There’s no Dwyane Wade, no LeBron James and possibly no Chris Bosh. We’re going to find out just how good Spo and his staff really is this season.

May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer reacts to a call against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

4. Mike Budenholzer, Atlanta Hawks

A former disciple of Gregg Popovich, who we’ll visit a littler later on this list, Mike Budenholzer has made a nice little name for himself with the Atlanta Hawks. After leading the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals a couple years ago, Budenholzer has stabilized the franchise.

Even after losing Al Horford this summer, expectations are still sky high in Atlanta with the free agent signing of Dwight Howard. Perhaps under a more defensive-minded brain, Dwight will be able to find his former Defensive Player of the Year self again.

Hey, I said perhaps.

Nevertheless, Dwight won’t be the only new starter in Atlanta. The Hawks also traded away Jeff Teague in order to promote Dennis Schroder from within, who now takes over at the starting point guard position. All in all, Budenholzer has his work cut out for him in 2016-17. Though, I don’t think we should expect anything short of another top 4 finish in the Eastern Conference from the Hawks.

And Mike Budenholzer, a Former NBA Coach of the Year (2015) award winner, is a big reason why.

Feb 9, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle signals to his team during the first half of a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

3. Rick Carlisle, Dallas Mavericks

Ah, Rick Carlisle, or as I like to call him “the coach that always seems to do the most with the last”. Carlisle is a coach that doesn’t always get the respect that he deserves. Even when he doesn’t have the most talent, his guys play.

Look no further than last season. Does anyone else know how he led that team of has beens to the NBA playoffs, and in the Western Conference? Deron Williams, Wes Matthews (coming off of an ruptured Achilles), and a past-his-prime Dirk Nowitzki…really, how did this team make the playoffs?

Now, at least, Carlisle will have some young blood to mold in Harrison Barnes. If anyone is going to help Barnes reach his potential, who better than Carlisle?

June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr speaks to media following the 93-89 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers following game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

2. Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors

What can I say? Steve Kerr is fresh off leading his Golden State Warriors to arguably the best regular season in NBA history. He also won the NBA Coach of the Year award this past season, and nearly completed earning back-to-back championships.

Unfortunately, thanks to Draymond Green’s stupidity and an absurd effort on LeBron James’ part, the Warriors blew a 3-1 series lead as the Cleveland Cavaliers won their first NBA Championship in franchise history.

Still, the 2015-16 Warriors, led by Kerr, will be forever remembered as the team that won 73 games in a regular season. Even though they lost the championship, it’s still something they should be proud of.

1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs

I mean, does this really need mentioning? I don’t think anyone would argue with this, and Gregg Popovich is clearly the best coach in professional basketball at the moment. And that’s not a knock at any other coach on this list. Pop is just that good.

In fact, the argument could be made that he’s the best coach in NBA history. During his stint with the San Antonio Spurs, Pop has won five NBA titles, has won the NBA Coach of the Year award three times and has only missed the playoffs once. He’s actually made the playoffs in 19 straight seasons in San Antonio.

Yes, that’s as absurd as it sounds.

Gregg Popovich. He’s the best.