With a little more than a month before the 2023 NBA Draft, one-sixth of the NBA's 30 head coaching jobs are available. For five franchises, an opportunity exists to right the recent wrongs that resulted in those dismissals.
We ranked the five openings from least to most attractive based on the roster strength, the team's market, and the timeline of pressure to compete for a championship.
5. Detroit Pistons Dylan Buell / Getty Images Sport / GettyPros
Bona fide young core headlined by Cade Cunningham, complemented by Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren.
No. 5 pick in the upcoming draft.
Approximately $25 million-$30 million in cap space to play around with in free agency.
Cons
Barren roster that needs injection of talent immediately. Detroit finished with the NBA's worst record last season.
Not a glamour destination for free agents.
Pressure to turn around fortunes somewhat soon - four seasons since the Pistons' last playoff appearance.
There's nowhere to go but up for the Pistons. With the additions of Ivey and Duren in the draft and veterans Alec Burks and Bojan Bogdanovic via trade over the summer, the franchise was marked as a potential dark-horse play-in tournament team heading into the 2022-23 season. Any hopes of a competitive campaign were lost in December when rising guard Cunningham suffered a season-ending shin injury. Detroit's gift for a league-worst 17-65 record? The fifth pick in June's draft and missing out on the consensus trio of Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson, and Brandon Miller. Whomever the Pistons take will still be an immediate upgrade from a talent perspective - ideally, a versatile wing who could complement the team's abundance at guard and center.
Beyond the existing team and high draft pick, Detroit has enough cap space to add a few quality players to round out the rotation this offseason. The club could also opt to maintain flexibility to chase stars in the near future, as it's expected to have $60.8 million in payroll spending for the 2024-25 season. On the flip side, Detroit might need to pay up to add even average players to incentivize free agents to join a team that averaged 20 wins over the last four seasons.
With the building blocks of the next quality Pistons team set, the club's new coach would ideally be a first-time bench boss who can evolve with the squad - the antithesis of veteran Dwane Casey. Recent similar success stories include Taylor Jenkins with the Memphis Grizzlies and Willie Green with the New Orleans Pelicans.
4. Toronto Raptors Richard Lautens / Toronto Star / GettyPros
Core of Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes presents several unique building paths and play styles.
Team president Masai Ujiri remains one of NBA's most respected executives.
Franchise traditionally values development and multi-year approach.
Cons
Ownership seems to want to win again sooner rather than later.
Futures of pending free agents are very much in the air.
Roster may need significant overhaul to make playoff impact.
Toronto's play-in meltdown against the Chicago Bulls was the final, painful nail in a season filled with plenty of down moments. The Raptors' inability to crack the first round convinced Ujiri to part with championship head coach Nick Nurse and was a reminder that the roster may not be sufficient in a top-heavy Eastern Conference.
Ujiri said during his end-of-season presser that the league's parity convinced him to trade a first-rounder at the deadline for Jakob Poeltl instead of shipping off expiring contracts and veterans in a rebuild. While he was a notable upgrade for a team without a proven center all year, Poeltl alone couldn't transform the Raptors into what Ujiri hoped. Some of that fell on Nurse, but some may be outside a head coach's control.
Poeltl, Fred VanVleet, and Gary Trent Jr. are all set to hit free agency. Toronto's front office needs to decide if its current path will truly bring postseason success or if a proper overhaul around former Rookie of the Year Barnes - which would almost certainly require trading two-time All-NBAer Siakam - is needed. If they try to awkwardly maneuver in the middle, it could be a daunting task for any incoming coach and see candidates pass on Toronto's limited ceiling.
3. Philadelphia 76ers David Dow / National Basketball Association / GettyPros
Reigning MVP Joel Embiid.
Daryl Morey, an ambitious president of basketball operations.
A balanced roster surrounding Embiid that should qualify for the playoffs, with or without star guard James Harden.
Cons
Harden's impending free agency, with his decision dictating the team's next steps.
Immediate pressure to advance past the second round. The Sixers haven't made the conference finals since 2001.
Outside of Tyrese Maxey, no quality blue-chip prospect who can help the roster reach the next stages of contention.
After the latest elimination from postseason contention, it's never been more clear that the Sixers need a playoff-ready coach to boost the roster. Despite amassing a 154-82 regular-season record under Doc Rivers, Philly relieved the veteran coach of his duties following the franchise's third consecutive postseason failure to get out of the Eastern Conference semifinal. Even with Harden and Embiid unable to score over 20 points each in the do-or-die Game 7 against the Celtics, a coach with a more imaginative offensive approach and increased awareness during crunch time might have secured a conference finals appearance this campaign.
There are now real consequences for the franchise and, by extension, the next bench boss. Harden reportedly plans to test free agency. If he departs for another team, the Sixers will have few avenues to replace his production and maintain contender status without gutting the roster and using major draft capital to acquire a player of his caliber to pair with Embiid. The lead guard's decision to return will weigh over the heads of the franchise for the short term. But the next coach can achieve legendary status long term if they can guide the 76ers to the Finals, a feat not seen in Philadelphia since 2001.
2. Milwaukee Bucks Megan Briggs / Getty Images Sport / GettyPros
Perennial MVP candidate in Giannis Antetokounmpo securely under contract.
Arguably easier path to contention in East.
Veterans familiar with what it takes to win from 2021 title.
Cons
One of the oldest rosters in the league by average age.
Immediate high-pressure expectations.
Key contract decisions needed, including with Khris Middleton this summer.
Milwaukee is a tantalizing win-now opportunity but with slightly more pressing questions to answer right now. For one, the Bucks need to quickly decide on their plans for Middleton. He has a $40-million player option for the 2023-24 season. But at 32 years old, Middleton may elect to decline it to secure more guaranteed money in free agency, arguably his last chance at a lucrative long-term contract.
If Middleton isn't in their plans, they risk losing Antetokounmpo's long-time running mate for little to nothing thanks to their restrictive salary-cap outlook. Defensive specialist Brook Lopez is another conundrum to solve this summer as a pending free agent. However, the Bucks are likely better suited to retain him since the journeyman big is already 35 and Milwaukee owns his Bird rights.
Of course, all that might be inconsequential to bench boss suitors because of the opportunity to coach a perennial MVP candidate in Antetokounmpo, who's still only 28 and under contract through at least 2024-25. Whatever the rest of Milwaukee's roster looks like when the dust settles, having Antetokounmpo likely continues the Bucks as a contender and keeps them as an attractive destination for potential players and coaches. Even with Jrue Holiday's contract entering its final season next year, you nonetheless expect Milwaukee to garner plenty of interest.
1. Phoenix Suns Garrett Ellwood / National Basketball Association / GettyPros
Expected contenders with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, who are safely under contract.
New owner Mat Ishbia has proven he will go all-out for title.
Having Durant, Booker provides an edge when chasing veterans on discounts to round out roster.
Cons
Contending status comes with immediate pressure.
Chris Paul's age and injury history could lead to change at point.
Need to address depth lost in Durant deal.
There isn't a better takeover opportunity in the NBA right now than in the desert. Back-to-back second-round exits ultimately cost Monty Williams, but Phoenix is more than well-equipped to help its future head coach navigate lofty expectations. Booker took another step this year by leading all scorers in the playoffs. And with Durant set to be in the Suns' ranks for a full season, the club arguably has the league's best offensive one-two punch.
But while Phoenix is a fantastic opportunity for any tactician hoping to contend, it's not without its flaws. The Suns' most pressing concern is probably Paul, specifically, how much longer the 38-year-old can continue to man the point full time. He's played 65 and 59 games in his last two regular seasons, and a groin strain forced him to miss the team's final four playoff contests, limiting him to a spectator as the Suns fell in six games to the Denver Nuggets. Phoenix reportedly intends to bring him back, but contingency plans are apparently on the table, too.
There also seems to be persistent chatter about what to do with Deandre Ayton, who didn't always see eye-to-eye with Williams. A new coach could invigorate the former first overall pick, but a potential trade return could also help Phoenix replenish the depth lost in the Durant deal.
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Jonathan Soveta, Donald Higney
https://www.thescore.com/nba/news/2650335
By: Jonathan Soveta, Donald Higney
Title: Which of the NBA's head coaching vacancies is most appealing?
Sourced From: www.thescore.com/nba/news/2650335
Published Date: 05-20-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the greatest basketball player ever?
This is a stupid question as there are so many exceptional players. Everybody has their opinions. Some of the most prominent contenders for this title include Kobe Bryant and LeBron James as well as Kareem AbdulJabbar, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and LeBron James. Each one of these basketball legends has had a profound impact on basketball and earned their place in basketball's history. They all have different styles of play which have been greatly admired by millions. As everyone has their own opinions on the greatest player, it is impossible for anyone to definitively answer this question. It is clear that the six most outstanding players on any list of greatest players must be included.
Most people agree that Michael Jordan was the greatest basketball star of all time. He was born in Wilmington (North Carolina) on February 17, 1963.
Jordan started his professional basketball career in 1984 with the Chicago Bulls and quickly became one of the most successful and famous players of his time. Jordan was a six-time NBA Champion, six-time NBA Finals MVP, five times NBA regular season MVP. He was also a 10 time NBA scoring leader, 10-time NBA team MVP, nine-time NBA all defensive first team, and three-time NBA steals leader.
Jordan, a two-time Olympic gold winner, was also inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Jordan's remarkable ability to score from any position on the court, make plays and lead the team is what will be remembered. He will forever remain an inspiration to millions worldwide due to his never-ending drive and ambition.
Jordan's legacy is sure to last forever. He is the undisputed best basketball player of all-time. His level of greatness is unparalleled by any other player. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest sports figures in history. There isn't much more that can be said about Michael Jordan except that he truly is the greatest of all time. His incredible career and achievements will never be forgotten. He was, is and will always be "The Goat," The One and Only Michael Jordan.
How much does the NBA pay a ref?
Referees working in the National Basketball Association are paid competitive salaries for their officiating roles. The average NBA referee earns between $150,000 and $550,000 per year. This scale of pay can vary depending on the experience of referees. More experienced referees will earn higher salaries. Referees in the playoffs and Finals receive higher salaries than referees with additional roles such training new refs or working within the video review department. A few NBA refs also earn royalties and endorsements for their work on television or other media outlets. Overall, being a NBA referee could be a highly lucrative job that can generate steady income for those who are willing to do the hard work.
In addition to salary, NBA referees also receive health insurance, retirement plans, and other employer benefits. Referees are able to maintain a healthy lifestyle and make critical calls that can affect a game's outcome. Refs also often receive subsidized accommodations, meals, and travel to away games. This is a great way to have peace of mind while referees work hard on the court.
Referees in the NBA make a good living for their dedication and hard work, especially since they enforce rules during one of most popular sports in the world. While it can be exhausting, the job offers referees a rewarding opportunity to make an impact on basketball.
Which rivalry is the most fierce in the NBA?
The NBA's largest rivalry is held between the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Boston Celtics.
The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers have met the most out of any teams in the NBA Finals, with 12 times. Nine of these meetings have been won by the Celtics. Their first meeting was in 1959. But they both performed well in subsequent years, particularly during the 1960s & 1980s, when each team would face off six to three times. The new millennium marked 2000, but the two teams still met twice within the same year.
What is the greatest NBA team?
This is a topic that has been hotly debated for decades. The "showtime Lakers of 1980-1989" won five championships, led by Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and Kareem Abul-Jabbar. During this period, the Lakers featured stars such as James Worthy (Byron Scott), and Kurt Rambis.
The Los Angeles Lakers from 200-2004 (later the Shaw and Kobe Lakers), were a force that had to be reckoned. They were defended by Shaquille and Kobe Bryant, both Hall of Famers. They won three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002.
The Chicago Bulls of the 1990s were also a dominant force in their era, winning six championships under iconic head coach Phil Jackson and led by Michael Jordan, who is widely regarded as the greatest player of all time. The Chico Bulls 1995-1996 are one of the most iconic teams in NBA history. They won the first three consecutive NBA championships, and also set a record 72 wins. The Bulls' 72-10 regular-season record was broken by Golden State Warriors in 2015-16.
The Boston Celtics of 1960s are the most well-known dynasty of NBA history, having won eight consecutive titles and 11 titles under Hall of Fame head coach Red Auerbach. Led by legendary players such as Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, and Sam Jones, the Celtics created a winning culture that has been unmatched for decades.
The San Antonio Spurs are also a top contender for the best NBA dynasty. From 1999 to 2007, the Spurs won 4 championships, and had one of league's greatest runs. Led by future Hall of Famers Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and head coach Gregg Popovich, they bettered the team's basketball approach, emphasizing a team-first mentality that made them successful.
The Golden State Warriors are one team that has won four NBA championships, making them one of the most successful in NBA history. Steve Kerr, Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry are their stars. The Warriors have an exciting brand and style of basketball that has excited fans all around the world.
It's difficult to pick one team that is the greatest NBA Dynasty. Each team was different and each had its own players and coaches, but the dominance of some teams made them stand out. You could argue that the greatest NBA dynasty was made up of the Bulls, Bulls Bulls, Celtics Spurs, Spurs, and Warriors.
Statistics
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20% of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- "NBA first-round ratings drop 27 percent, 40 percent since 2017–18". (en.wikipedia.org)
- The opening game of the 2020 Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat brought in only 7.41 million viewers to ABC, according to The Hollywood Reporter. (en.wikipedia.org)
- As of 2014, 45 percent of its viewers were black, while 40 percent were white, making it the only top North American sport that does not have a white majority audience.[102]As of 2017Democrats than Republicans.[103]Outside (en.wikipedia.org)
- Between 2012 and 2019, the league lost 40 to 45 percent of its viewership. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
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- Tweet / Follow Twitter
- Sam Amico on Twitter: "Timberwolves Waive PJ Dozier, CJ Elleby and AJ Lawson - Hoops Wire https://t.co/xKu1ZTuQZN" / Twitter
basketball-reference.com
- Thomas Bryant Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
- Dennis Schroder Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more | Basketball-Reference.com
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How To
How do you get into the NBA?
There are two ways to become a NBA player: high school or college.
NCAA schools offer college players the opportunity to attend Duke University, North Carolina State University or the University of Kentucky. These schools offer four-years of education and training. In this time, the players learn how to play ball handling, shooting, rebounding, and other skills. They also learn how to manage an offense and defend. They learn mental skills that are essential for professional athletes.
Prep schools in other states are available for high school students. These schools focus on developing talent by providing athletes with individualized attention. The schools teach academics, character development and sportsmanship.
Before they can be allowed to join the draft, both types of players must pass the exact same physical test. The test involves running 40 meters, jumping over a 5'6", standing on one foot, and throwing a football through tires.
These players are invited to take part in training sessions at various NBA teams if they pass the tests. The players are judged on their height, speed, weight, wingspan, or size.
Teams also look at their previous experience. A player who has played AAU basketball will be given preference.
A lot of players who are too small to play professionally are considered "one-and-done" prospect. The second round of the draft usually chooses these players.
Some players choose to skip college and go straight to the NBA. These players are known to be "prospects". Prospects do not need to wait for the end of the calendar year to be declared eligible for the draft.
They can apply to get an exemption so they can enter the draft before others. If a prospect does, he will be eligible to compete with other prospects during pre-draft.
Prospects can improve their chances of getting selected by participating in summer leagues. Summer league games are usually held in July or august.
These events enable scouts see players in action without worrying too much about injury risks.
June marks the start of the NBA Draft. It's when the 30 NBA teams evaluate all the top prospects. Each team is given a number of picks during each round.
In this example, the 15th overall pick is the first pick of the first round. The 60th selection is in the third round.
After the draft, teams make trades to fill out their rosters. Some teams offer mini-camps for potential draftees.
Draft day is exciting! What happens next?
There is no waiting around for your name to come up once the draft has begun. Every NBA team has to select players from the pool.
A contract is sent to a player once he has been selected by the team. It details his salary, playing hours, and benefits. He is now a member.
He also receives a jersey that bears his name and a uniform that includes his new nickname.
Finally, he signs a contract. That is when he officially joins NBA.
