The NBA season has been full of unexpected developments, including surprising coach firings. Following the dismissals of Michael Malone in Denver and Taylor Jenkins in Memphis, the coaching landscape has become increasingly precarious. Both firings, happening late in the season, highlight the intense pressure on NBA coaches.
With these recent events, it`s time to look at other coaches who might be feeling the heat and could be the next to be fired.
1. Mike Budenholzer, Phoenix Suns
Budenholzer`s situation is perhaps the least surprising. If he is fired, it would mark the Suns` third coaching change in three seasons. Phoenix has underperformed significantly this year, despite a star-studded roster featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. While injuries haven`t been a major factor, the team has struggled to maximize its talent. The Suns` current record of 35-43 and potential playoff miss are concerning. Despite attempts to improve the offense, their defense ranks poorly, suggesting a change might be imminent.
2. Doc Rivers, Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks fired Budenholzer after the 2022-23 season, replacing him with Adrian Griffin, who was then quickly replaced by Doc Rivers. Under Rivers, the Bucks` performance has been inconsistent. While their defense has improved, their offense has regressed, and they struggle against winning teams. Unless the Bucks make a deep playoff run, Rivers` job could be in jeopardy as the team aims to maximize Giannis Antetokounmpo`s prime.
3. Tom Thibodeau, New York Knicks
Despite potential backlash from Knicks fans, Thibodeau is included on this list because recent firings show no coach is completely safe. Thibodeau has brought the Knicks back to relevance and achieved two consecutive 50-win seasons. However, his demanding coaching style, leading to high minutes for starters and potential player fatigue and injuries, could be a concern. If the Knicks fail to advance beyond the second round of the playoffs for a third straight year, a coaching change might be considered to try and bridge the gap to top Eastern Conference teams.
4. Nick Nurse, Philadelphia 76ers
It might seem unfair to include Nurse, given Joel Embiid`s injury struggles during his tenure. However, in the NBA, patience is thin. Even if injuries are a valid excuse, the pressure to win now is immense. With Embiid aging and Paul George also getting older, the 76ers might decide to move on from Nurse if they feel he isn`t the right coach to maximize their championship window.
5. Willie Green, New Orleans Pelicans
Green initially received leeway due to injuries to key players like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. This season has also been marred by injuries. It`s been another disappointing season for the Pelicans, and the team faces crucial decisions this summer regarding its direction. While Green may not be directly at fault, coaching changes are often the easiest for teams to make. Green needs to demonstrate he can lead the team to sustained success to secure his future in New Orleans.
Jasper Hawthorne