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NBA Coach of the Year predictions – Roundtable

By Parker Fleming

MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 27: Head coach David Fizdale of the Memphis Grizzlies speaks to the media prior to Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals game against the San Antonio Spurs during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on April 27, 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 27: Head coach David Fizdale of the Memphis Grizzlies speaks to the media prior to Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals game against the San Antonio Spurs during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on April 27, 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 16: Head coach Terry Stotts of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on against the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter during Game One of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 16, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 16: Head coach Terry Stotts of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on against the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter during Game One of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 16, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Terry Stotts

Portland lost four starters from the 2015-16 season and still managed to squeak into the playoffs last season. They lost valuable backup guard Allen Crabbe this summer but still maintain a solid team. If Jusuf Nurkic returns to health, the Blazers may end up being the surprise team in the West.

The Blazers overcame an understandable slow start last season and were only 24-35 heading into March but Stotts got the team chemistry clicking down the stretch to finish 41-41, including wins over Oklahoma City (twice), San Antonio (twice), Houston and Utah.

With a stronger start to the season expected Portland could be a serious contender for the fourth spot in the West and homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs. — Chip Crain (@chipc3)

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