The NBA season has reached its midpoint, showcasing unexpected developments such as the Cleveland Cavaliers leading the Eastern Conference and the Houston Rockets making significant strides in the West. As injuries continue to plague key players, it’s also time to evaluate the candidates for the postseason awards. This article highlights the contenders for the coveted Coach of the Year award.
Kenny Atkinson of the Cavaliers stands out as the frontrunner. Despite limited roster changes, Atkinson transformed Cleveland's offense, introducing effective ball and player movement learned during his tenure as an assistant coach with Steve Kerr. His leadership has empowered players like Evan Mobley and Darius Garland, resulting in the league's most efficient offense this season.
Following Atkinson, Jamahl Mosley of the Orlando Magic earns recognition for guiding his team to a strong No. 4 seed in the East amidst a slew of player injuries, including star Paolo Banchero. Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies also deserves mention, maintaining the No. 3 seed while navigating a challenging season with key players like Ja Morant intermittently sidelined.
