2017-18 NBA Coach Of the Year Odds
Last season Mike D’Antoni (and James Harden) led the Houston Rockets to a 55-win season, 14 more than their previous season and 13.5 more than their preseason total of 41.5. For his troubles. D’Antoni was awarded the NBA Coach of the Year. Heading into the year, he had 50/1 odds to win the award!
This season, he is tied for second on the odds list with Brad Stevens of the Celtics behind Steve Kerr of the Warriors. In my opinion, Kerr shouldn’t get it unless the Warriors can break the regular season wins record again. Honestly, how can you call the coach of essentially an all-star team the coach of the year? Also, they haven’t made any major additions like some of the other teams so they won’t need to deal with any chemistry issues.
In my opinion, it should be a coach whose team exceeds expecations. Whether it’s a team like the Rockets last season or a crappy team with no expectations that makes the playoffs or something along those lines. Unfortunately, I do not vote for NBA awards so I am shit out of luck.
If there is a guy who should get credit if his team succeeds, it is Billy Donovan. It is going to be tough to make Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Carmelo Anthony all happy with their roles. Historically, newly-founded super teams have struggled in the early going and I can see the same thing potentially happening with the Thunder this season. However, Donovan can get things to gel early on and avoid an October or November scuffle, I like his chances.
Another name I like is Tom Thibodeau of Minnesota. The western conference is obviously stacked, but I believe Minnesota could make some serious noise. With the additions of Jimmy Butler and Jeff Teague, this will certainly be a new-look team. Karl-Anthony Towns is on the verge of becoming a superstar and Andrew Wiggins isn’t too far behind. The T-Wolves have a real chance of breaking out and making a name for themselves this year.
Any D’Antoni-esque longshots you have your eye on this season? Let us know on Twitter @SportsInsights.
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