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NBA Awards Watch: Don’t forget Anthony Davis

By Brad Rowland

New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) reacts after a basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Hawks 115-100. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) reacts after a basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Hawks 115-100. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Joerger (right) instructs guard Mike Conley (11) during the third quarter against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Suns 102-101. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Joerger (right) instructs guard Mike Conley (11) during the third quarter against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Suns 102-101. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Coach of the Year

  1. Mike Budenholzer, Atlanta Hawks – The Hawks no longer have the best record in the NBA after a streak-busting loss on Monday night, but Budenholzer deserves every bit of praise he has received. Atlanta just completed an undefeated January, representing the first time that has happened in NBA history, and at 40-9, the Hawks are soundly outplaying any rational expectation. Budenholzer’s offensive acumen is undeniable, but he also his this group playing defense at a near top-five level, and that is another stamp of his impact.
  2. Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors – Kerr’s team actually has the best record in the NBA, and he has been incredible in year one. Golden State leads the league in virtually every category, including net rating (+12.6 points per 100) and defensive rating (97.1 points allowed per 100) and Kerr deserves recognition for that. The difference between Budenholzer and Kerr is preseason expectations and superstar talent, as Golden State is blessed with Stephen Curry and cursed with a 50-win season a year ago. Still, Steve Kerr would be a more than deserving choice here.
  3. Dave Joerger, Memphis Grizzlies – Memphis has won seven straight, and Joerger is probably the most underrated coach in the league. As usual, the Grizzlies (who are now 36-12) aren’t getting the type of national attention befitting of a second-place team in the West, but Joerger guides his group to solid performance after solid performance. He has been able to integrate Jeff Green quickly while not abandoning his ever-solid rotation, and Memphis hasn’t skipped a beat under his leadership.

Next: Most Improved Player

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