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Let's Set Odds: Who's the NBA Coach of the Year?

By Donnavan Smoot

Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams.
Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams. / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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When we talk about NBA awards, Coach of the Year can sometimes get lost. Everyone is looking at the players, but overlook the schemes and plays that put them in the best position possible. 

Last year, Tom Thibadeau won after leading the New York Knicks to a 41-31 record. He beat out Monty Williams from the Phoenix Suns and Quinn Synder from the Utah Jazz. 

There are only a handful of games left in the NBA season and the Coach of the Year picture is coming into focus. There are a few names that should be listed at the top, so let’s set the odds for NBA Coach of the Year.

Odds To Win Coach of the Year

  • Monty Williams, Suns: -300
  • J.B. Bickerstaff, Cavaliers: +250
  • Taylor Jenkins: Grizzlies: +500

Monty Williams (48-10)

Williams was the runner-up last year, but it would be a disgrace if he got overlooked again this season. The Suns are better than they were a year ago and have the best record in the league. Phoenix has been one of the most consistent teams in the league in a year filled with turmoil from injuries and COVID. 

The Suns are six games above the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference. Even without one of the 10 best players in the league, Williams has managed to get everything out of his players and make them into a well-oiled machine. 

J.B. Bickerstaff (35-23)

The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the biggest surprises of the season. While they don’t have a better record than the Grizzlies, they are competitive in a much more open and harder conference. The Cavaliers could be the No. 3 seed in the East right now or even the No. 1 seed – with a small run. 

The Cavaliers are a great story and fit the bill to get their coach this award. 

Taylor Jenkins (41-19)

The Memphis Grizzlies, much like the Cavaliers, are a surprise to many this season. They have the third-best record in the Western conference and have come out of nowhere. Memphis was expected to be a fringe playoff team this season and now they are contenders to win it all. 

If it weren’t for the Suns, Jenkins would likely be the favorite for the award. He just can’t get it when he’s being out-coached in his own conference.

You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.

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