Coaches Come and Go: A Look at This Decade's Most Underrated Coaches

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Chicago Bulls

Ex-college coach Tim Floyd took over for Phil Jackson and led the team in its most infamous post-Jordan era. A successful college coach, Floyd has one of the lowest winning percentage in NBA history. He was given a second chance by the Hornets, but was also mediocre. A return to the college rank rebuilt his rep somewhat, but he was ousted from USC earlier this year due to recruiting violations.

Bill Cartwright is a seven-foot coach who was the starting center for the Bulls during their first three-peat in the early '90s. The Bulls improved somewhat under Cartwright, but he lasted less than two seasons in total.

Former Suns head coach Scott Skiles is the guy who really pushed the young Bulls back to the playoffs. They even made it to the second round under his watch. However, his abrasive personality got the best of him as young players regressed and tuned out to Skiles.

The Vinny Del Negro hire was highly questionable given that Del Negro has no coaching experience. The result so far has been mixed.

Winner: Scott Skiles

Los Angeles Lakers

Acclaimed former Chicago Bulls head coach Phil Jackson came out of retirement to take over the underachieving Lakers. He immediately won another three-peat with Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. A slow start in 2003 and the constant feud between Shaq and Kobe resulted in the end of their run.

By adding Karl Malone and Gary Payton, the Lakers were hailed as the greatest team ever. Injuries and more feuds between Shaq and Kobe resulted in the Lakers imploding in the finals.

Long time Rockets boss, Rudy Tomjanovich, was tapped as the replacement. Tomjanovich did okay considering the fact that Shaq was gone, but was driven out by Kobe Bryant in half a season.

Phil Jackson was lured back with a record setting contract the next season and won one more championship this year.

Winner: Phil Jackson

Houston Rockets

Rudy Tomjanovich had a brilliant run with the Rockets in the '90s including winning two rings. However, the rebuilding Rockets failed to advance to the playoff under his watch from 2000-2003. He left voluntarily due to health issues (though he did resurface with the Lakers later).

Renowned former Knicks head coach Jeff Van Gundy was brought in. He made the playoffs three out of four seasons, but was bounced in the first round every single time.

Former Kings head coach Rick Adelman replaced the fired Van Gundy. Adelman did an amazing job despite a depleted roster. Highlights include a 22 game winning streak and nearly upsetting the Lakers in round two this year, despite an injury–ridden roster.

Winner: Rick Adelman

Utah Jazz

Same song and dance. Despite all the ups and downs after Stockton and Malone left, Jerry Sloan has been at the helm since 1988.

Winner: Jerry Sloan

Phoenix Suns

With the resignation of Danny Ainge, Scott Skiles became the head coach of the Suns. He did pretty well, but a slow start in 2002 forced him to resign.

Frank Johnson, a longtime assistant coach, was promoted. His tenure was nondescript and he was replaced by assistant Mike D'Antoni.

The D'Antoni era was arguably the highlight for the Suns during this decade. His fast paced offense anchored by Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire almost won a ring if not for Robert Horry's dirty play.

Steve Kerr's trade for Shaquille O'Neal and disagreement with the direction of the franchise led to his ousting. Former Bucks coach Terry Porter could not even last a full season before being fired.

The current Alvin Gentry (former Clippers head coach) is a return to the D'Antoni run and gun offense. The result is yet to be seen.

Winner: Mike D'Antoni

Miami Heat

Hall of fame coach Pat Riley built this team from the ground up. He made a big splash in 2000 by the sign-and-trade deal of Eddie Jones and Anthony Mason for Jamal Mashburn and P.J. Brown.

Brian Grant was also acquired via free agency. The Heat seemed like the team to beat in the East. Unfortunately, Alonzo Mourning's kidney ailment was discovered and the Heat began to struggle.

It became so frustrating that Riley resigned as head coach in 2003, but remained as President. Longtime assistant Stan Van Gundy replaced him and led the Heat back to respectability.

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