NBA Coach of the Year predictions – Roundtable

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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Tom Thibodeau

This might blur the line with Executive of the Year a little bit, but since they’re the same person I feel ok about it. The Wolves are primed to make a massive leap in the West standings, which often translates to COY candidacy, especially for a young team Coach X “brought together.”

Ultimately, this award is a bit of a crapshoot based on very abstract criteria. Coaches who exceed and defy expectation are fixtures among top vote-getters, so let’s wait for this year’s Mike D’Antoni or Erik Spoelstra to emerge. — AJ Salah (@Salas42_)