NBA Coach of the Year: Thunder, Magic and Wolves All in These COTY Candidates

Oklahoma City Thunder v Washington Wizards

(Photo : (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)) WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 08: Head coach Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 08, 2024 in Washington, DC. 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

Now with less than two weeks remaining in the NBA season, one award that hasn't been completely locked up is the NBA Coach of the Year award.

Last season saw Sacramento Kings head coach, Mike Brown take the award. This year. fields look a little different involving three franchises that have taken a massive leap this season.

NBA Coach of the Year: Mark Daigneault (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Currently, the Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault is leading the charge for the NBA Coach of the Year award, and for good reason.

The Thunder have built upon a really good 2022-23 season, one that saw them make the NBA Play-In behind an All-Star season from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

OKC have taken another step forward to becoming a true contender this year, sitting at the top of the NBA Western Conference through a majority of the 2023-24 NBA season. Their young core in Josh Giddy, Luguentz Dort, and Jalen Williams have stepped up this season to help the Thunder become a formidable threat in the West due to Mark Daigneault's work.

Daigneault' has his Thunder on pace to finish the season with 50+ wins, first time for OKC since the 2015-16 season, compared to their 40 win-season just a year ago.

The Oklahoma City Thunder hold a top-ranked offense and defense in the NBA, and have consistently improved throughout the season; which is why Mark Daigneault should definitely be considered in taking home the NBA Coach of the Year award.

NBA Coach of the Year: Jamahl Mosley (Orlando Magic)

When the Orlando Magic traded Nikola Vucevic to the Chicago Bulls, it indicated that the franchise was looking to forego a new chapter.

In just a few seasons, they have risen to become one of the best teams in the NBA Eastern Conference, and are set to make the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2019.

The Magic are having a great bounce-back season. Orlando finished last year with only 22 wins after drafting Paolo Banchero as the No.1 pick in the NBA 2022 Draft.

Jamahl Mosley has turned the Orlando Magic into a defensive juggernaut, posting the eighth best defensive rating in the league at 110.5; and Paolo Banchero, in his second season, is now experienced and playing at an All-Star level.

The Magic are a young team. However, all signs indicate they will be formidable for seasons to come under Mosley, which makes him a solid candidate for the NBA Coach of the Year award.

NBA Coach of the Year: Chris Finch (Minnesota Timberwolves)

The Minnesota Timberwolves are having their best season since 2004-05. They are currently tied for first seed in the NBA Western Conference with the Denver Nuggets at 53 wins.

Anthony Edwards has experienced an All-NBA season, rising as one of the best players in the NBA as the Timberwolves have transformed with an elite defense, ranked second in the league with a defensive rating at 107.8 under Chris Finch.

Chris Finch has built a strong case for COTY and the great season that the Minnesota Timberwolves are having is the reason why.