Earlier this week, a CBS Top 30 NBA Coaches list was revealed. As with most lists, this list included some major misses, controversial choices, and puzzling judgments. However, instead of focusing on the negative, let’s talk about a few coaches who can move into the top ten NBA coaching ranks this season with great seasons.
CBS Sports’ Top 30 coaches in the NBA:
1.Erik Spoelstra, Heat
2.Nick Nurse, 76ers
3.Rick Carlisle, Pacers
4.Steve Kerr, Warriors
5.Ty Lue, Clippers
6.Mark Daigneault, Thunder
7.Will Hardy, Jazz
8.Ime Udoka, Rockets
9.Mike Budenholzer, Suns
10.Tom Thibodeau, Knicks
11.Joe… pic.twitter.com/zk4LTCtnsN— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 16, 2024
In the aftermath of the CBS Top 30 NBA Coaches list, many were left with only confusion and questions. Bluntly put, the list might have been a mess. There were some legitimate ranking decisions that spotted some coaches way too low. Gregg Popovich, Taylor Jenkins, and Michael Malone, for instance, should be reconsidered immediately, considering their spots on the list. So should names like Will Hardy and Rick Carlisle, who are way too high.
That being said, some names failed to crack the top ten for reasons unbeknownst to many. Those same names should have every opportunity to reach top ten recognition by the 2024-25 season’s conclusion. Whether these names should already be considered in the top echelon of NBA coaches, let’s focus on why they should be considered.
Chris Finch had a rough go in last season’s playoffs. He suffered a scary leg injury while colliding with Mike Conley in Game 4 against the Phoenix Suns. The incident moved him to a back seat, sitting in the assistant coach’s second row. Put this unfortunate ordeal aside, Finch has quickly risen in the coaching ranks since taking over as the bench boss and is undervalued in the CBS Top 30 NBA Coaches list. Ranked at number 12, Finch turned a not-so-great Timberwolves roster into one of the best teams in the league. Since 2021, Finch coached the T-Wolves to improving records each year and last season’s remarkable 56-win season. Prior to Finch, the team recorded only one 40+ win season in seven years. Since then, he has done an excellent job unlocking Anthony Edwards. Subsequently, he figured out a path where Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns actually fit together.
Expect Chris Finch to slide into the top ten coaching ranks next season, leading to a higher spot on next year’s top coaches list. Provided the Timberwolves have another enormous season.
Yes, he has the sensational Luka Dončić as his foundation to help his cause, but sitting in the 18th spot is disrespectful. Nevertheless, Jason Kidd has done an admirable job in Dallas after disappointing coaching stops in Brooklyn and Milwaukee. He has been integral in Luka’s growth over the years. With Dončić, he has already coached the team to two Western Conference Finals and one NBA Finals. Kidd is also touted for his younger players’ developmental skills and high-level rotation management. Under him, Dončić and Kyrie Irving figured it out, which speaks to Kidd’s people management abilities. Notably, Kyrie also enjoyed a drama-free season. Lastly, Kidd is an ATO (after time out) magician with adjustments and play calling. The man knows how to call a good play.
Kidd should already be in the top ten, yet he is not considered in CBS’s list. However, a long Mavericks run deep into the playoffs should vault him into the shortlist of any of the league’s top NBA coaches lists.
Joe Mazzulla has received a lot of flack and criticism since his sudden take-over of the Celtics following previous coach, Ime Udoka‘s abrupt dismissal. Despite some early-on coaching mishaps, like clock management, Mazzulla is responsible for much more than he is credited for. He also won a championship ring last season after clocking the entire league over the head during the regular season. Remember that Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown‘s first championship came with Mazzulla leading the way after too many years of coming up short.
Mazzulla was thrust into the lion’s den without much preparation time or so much of a “heads up.” Since then, he’s done a wonderful job coaching the Celtics. To repeat as NBA Champions this season is not a far reach for the franchise. Suppose Boston pulls off a similar season as last year. Joe Mazzulla has to then move into the top ten of NBA coaching ranks. It would be puzzling otherwise.
