The 2014-15 season has drawn to a close and now it’s time to reflect. As we all get excited and prepared for the 2015 NBA Playoffs, we also want to take the time and recognize the best of the best from this season. Although we might not have an official vote for any of these awards, we still have to put our picks in here somewhere.
So check out the 2015 NBA Awards and let us know what you think!
First award up, Coach of the Year.
Nominees:
Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors
Mike Budenholzer, Atlanta Hawks
Jason Kidd, Milwaukee Bucks
Dave Joerger, Memphis Grizzlies
Rob
Winner: Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors
Steve Kerr has done amazing things as the coach of the Golden State Warriors. Under his tutelage, the dubs managed to get a franchise record for wins in a season, a franchise record win streak of 16 as well as have the potential MVP flourish with his leadership. The Warriors end the season as the number 2 offense and number 1 defense with a 10.1 point differential, which is one of the 10 best all-time, they’re one of 10 teams all-time in NBA history to win 67 or more games, they set a franchise record 39-2 mark at home, and a franchise record 28 wins on the road, all while playing in the Western Conference.
Es
Winner: Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors
Steve Kerr entered the Golden State facilities and knew exactly what to do. He knew Harrison Barnes was a better wing player then Andre Iguodala, and knew that Iggy coming off the bench with David Lee would be perfect. He transformed this team to a team that hopes to make it someday, to a team that can win now. With the defense that he promises and the offense that he gets from his players, Steve Kerr is the COY.
Kyle
Winner: Mike Budenholzer, Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks went from being the eight seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs last season to the first seed this season. The roster really hasn’t changed from this season to last season. The only “real loss” from that team was Lou Williams. The hawks may have sent four guys to the all-star games this season, but they really don’t have a true “star” player on their team. Paul Millsap is a good power foward, Al Horford is a good center, but they aren’t star players. The Hawks had the longest winning streak in the league this season, winning 19 in a row. Nobody expected the Hawks to do much this year, let alone hold the second best record in the entire league, which is why Budenholzer in the coach of the year.
Martin
Winner: Mike Budenholzer, Atlanta Hawks
To bounce back from a tough-fought first-round playoff series with the Pacers last year and dominate the Eastern Conference this year has to be a testament to Mike Budenholzer’s approach with this team. The Atlanta Hawks’ story was the most shocking of this NBA season, particularly because they don’t have the star talent that most 60-win teams possess. I give loads of credit to the system and approach that Budenholzer has instilled in this group which led to an accolades like going 17-0 in February and having all five Hawks starters named as All-Stars. I’m most impressed by Budenholzer’s coaching job this season and I hope it’s rewarded.
David
Winner: Mike Budenholzer, Atlant Hawks
The Hawks have been arguably the biggest surprise of the season. The team hadn’t eclipsed 50 wins since the 2009-10 season. Yet this season they earned 60 wins. Watching the Hawks this year, they looked rather similar to the Spurs. They play superb basketball, move well off the ball, make smart passes, and nobody’s ego gets in the way. In order to accomplish basketball like this, you need a coach who is smart, can draw up good plays, and can get all of his players to buy in. That’s Mike Budenholzer. You can argue Steve Kerr for this award, and it’s a valid argument. However, Kerr has more talent on his team. He’s got an MVP candidate, plus plenty of other great players. The Hawks have no one player who jumps out as an MVP candidate. They’re so selfless that all 5 starters earned player of the week.
Stephen
Winner: Mike Budenholzer, Atlanta Hawks
Steve Kerr directed a very talented Warriors team, but Coach Budenholzer directed an Atlanta team that isn’t necessarily the flashiest which is why they’ve earned the description of The Spurs of The Eastern Conference. Obviously a former Greg Poppovich assistant coach has brought a similar blue print with him and completely helps renew an interest in Hawks basketball in Atlanta. The Hawks who were an 8th seed last season and now a 1 seed have upgraded things and it also helps to have a healthy roster too. The Hawks spread the ball out nicely and Budenholzer has earned this award it’s exactly what The Hawks needed after drama of General Managers and extra curricular comments being made.
Max
Winner: Mike Budenholzer, Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks improvement from a 8th seed that barely made the playoffs last year to the one seed this year should be enough to show what coach Bud has done. In Bud’s second year as a head coach, he has led his team to a franchise record in wins, and the 1st seed in the conference. Mike Budenholzer has gotten his players to play at the top of their game all season, and he has installed a perfect system to fit his team that works GREAT. Coach Bud is the Coach of the Year.
Cameron
Winner: Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors has the best-ranked offense and defense in all of basketball. This led them to having the best record in all of the NBA, and setting the franchise record for wins home and away. Did you know that Kerr also has the most wins for a first-year coach in NBA history? Yeah he was put into a great situation that a lot of coaches could’ve flourished in but, ‘woulda, coulda, shoulda’, Kerr deserves this award.
Charlie
Winner: Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors
Props to Budenholzer. From taking a ‘middle of the road’ Atlanta Hawks to the top of the Eastern Conference. That’s boss. But what is more boss, is what Steve Kerr has done. From the booth to the bench, taking the Golden State Warriors and utilizing the team to literally the pinnacle of their talents. That is something that no coach has done. Oh and has anybody mentioned that he’s a ROOKIE COACH?! It would be a crime if he doesn’t get this award.
