NBA Coach of the Year is...

Kerr's success surprised us. 

NBA Coach of the Year is a tough call. I think it really comes down to either Mike Budenholzer or Steve Kerr. I would listen to arguments in favor of Kevin McHale, Dwane Casey, David Blatt, Tom Thibodeau, Dave Joerger, and Terry Stotts. But ultimately, it comes down to Budenholzer or Kerr. 

The Atlanta Hawks overachieved and they did it without having a "superstar". Their record of 56-19 is the best in the Eastern Conference. A huge amount of credit, in our opinion, goes to Budenholzer, who from day one of training camp made it clear that he would ride with his veterans. We have always been a believer that who a coach does NOT play is as important as who he does play. Budenholzer has seemingly pulled all the right strings in Atlanta. 

Meanwhile, Steve Kerr has guided the Golden State Warriors to a franchise-best season. The "Dubs" are 61-13, the best record in the NBA. Kerr has a deep roster and possibly the league MVP in Stephen Curry. But Kerr deserves credit for getting David Lee, and Andre Iguodala to accept less minutes without any major distraction. The Warriors defense is ranked number one in defensive rating. Their offense is third offensive rating. Their average margin of victory of +10 is almost unheard of. For those reasons, and mostly because of the historic significance of the Warriors success this regular season, I am giving NBA Coach of the Year honors to Steve Kerr.