MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – APRIL 10: Head coach Billy Donovan of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on in the first quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Fiserv Forum on April 10, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Coaches vote Billy Donovan and Mike Budenzholer as the league’s best.
Before the media tells us who they believe is the NBA Coach of the Year, the National Basketball Coaches Association has gave us their choice. Mike Budenzholer and Billy Donovan were named co-coaches for the 2019-20 season.
Nick Nurse came in third, one point shy of a three-way tie, with Taylor Jenkins, Nate McMillan, Erik Spoelstra, Brad Stevens and Frank Vogel all receiving votes as well.
It’s important to distinguish between this and the NBA Coach of the Year award. The NBCA, the union for league’s coaches, are the only ones voting on this award, with each choosing a single winner. Second to that is the NBA’s award, also known as the Red Auerbach trophy, named after the legendary Celtics coach and voted on by media numbers throughout the country who rank coaches from first to third.
Are Mike Budenholzer and Billy Donovan the NBA’s best coaches this season?
Regardless, the award gives a good insight into where the league award may fall, as last year saw a shared selection in Budenholzer, while also acting as a noteworthy achievement in itself. Receiving respect from fellow peers is certainly more valuable than what the media members have to say.
Budenholzer only saw his team improve, driving the Bucks to the top of the East and setting them up for a Finals push.
Donovan should be commended for his work in transforming a Thunder team with few expectations into a playoff threat. There was a relatively unpredictable roster heading into the season, but Donovan has meticulously developed and managed his players, making him a deserving recipient.
The coaches have spoken and now it is time to see where the media turns. Will it be the best team or one of the most surprising? Don’t be surprised if Nurse sweeps in with some vengeance to grab the award either.