Open Thread: Determining which NBA coaches are most vulnerable during the first round

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For some, winning isn’t everything…it’s the only thing

Saw a post that J. J. Redick is set to interview for the head coaching position with the Charlotte Hornets, recently vacated by Steve Clifford.

In the landscape of a win now NBA, only a few NBA coaches can walk into the summer without a championship and feel certain they will still have an office in the months to come.

There are 16 teams currently in the playoffs. That is sixteen coaches. In a week, eight of these teams will be on vacation, and eight coaches could possibly be out of work.

Who is the most vulnerable in the Eastern Conference? (Part 1)

Joe Mazzulla

Mazzulla’s team clinched the top seed in the league and he is riding high with a blessed mix of superstars, stars, and solid bench players galore, but his success could very well hinge on this year being the year of the year. While Boston’s roster is solid, not bringing home the Larry O’Brien could make Brad Stevens and the Celtics front office rethink next year’s plan, especially in the event of an upset similar to last year’s Eastern Conference Finals disappointment.

Erik Spoelstra

Boston’s opponent, the Miami Heat, continually serve as underdog and spoiler. Without Jimmy Butler, it seems highly unlikely that Miami get out of the first round, or even notch a game for that matter, considering the fury with which Boston has heading into the postseason. No matter, Erik Spoelstra is the second longest tenured head coach in the NBA. he is a trusted piece of the Heat’s team and has the lowest odds of being ousted from being eliminated by the top seed while his best player is relegated to the bench.

Tom Thibodeau

Thibs and the Knicks have shown improvement in each of the last three seasons and are poised to be the only team to possibly upset Boston. But without Julius Randle, their time is limited. That isn’t Thibodeau’s fault and he should not be dinged. That said, no coach has survived four NBA seasons in New York since Jeff Van Gundy’s five and change thirty years ago.

Nick Nurse

Miami Heat v Philadelphia 76ers - Play-In Tournament

Nurse won a title with the Toronto Raptors, setting his value higher in this “win now” era of the league. As this is his first season with Philly and considering Joel Embiid is still in recovery from meniscus surgery, it is likely he gets another season or two prove himself. After all, Philly does has a tradition of giving their coaches some time to develop a program.

Next up: Doc Rivers, J. B. Bickerstaff, Jamahl Mosley, and Rick Carlisle round out the Eastern Conference.

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