Crystal Ball Predictions: NBA Coach of The Year Edition

Some may think it's a bit early to make any accurate predictions for next season. But unless there is some kind of major change within a organization, it's never too early.

In this instance, we all have all the information needed for the predictions listed below. The NBA Coach of the Year race isn't something that will exactly excite fans, but it is always an interesting one to follow.

Last season, Byron Scott of the New Orleans Hornets won his first Coach of the Year award, and no doubt he will be a candidate next season if the Hornets live up to expectations. As for his challengers, the Coach of the Year candidates all look good—for now.

Here are a list of worthy candidates to win the Red Auerbach trophy next season:

Maurice Cheeks—Philadelphia 76ers

Predicted Record: 49-33

Eastern Conference Standing: Fourth

Cheeks did a good job with a young Sixers squad last season. But with the addition of Elton Brand, Philly has a chance to do some real damage in the Eastern Conference.

Not only do the Sixers have a chance to grab a higher seed than last season, but they should also have a nine-game improvement from last season. And nine games is kind of a big deal in the East.

Things look bright for Philly right now—but if they don't lock in Andre Iguodala, things could fall apart before they even start.

Rick Adelman—Houston Rockets

Predicted Record: 58-24

Western Conference Standing: Third

Houston took a gamble when they traded for Ron Artest. But if there are no chemistry problems in the Rockets' locker next season, this team could be scary. And of course, Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming have to stay healthy for them to succeed.

Adelman coached Artest while in Sacramento, so the player-coach relationship shouldn't be an issue. If Artest is committed and ready to win as he says he is, then the Rockets are contenders out West—period.

And given a defense that was already pretty decent last season,  Artest will only make it better. 58 wins is only a three-game difference from last season, but in a loaded Western Conference it will do.

Stan Van Gundy—Orlando Magic

Predicted Record: 54-28

Eastern Conference Standing: Thirrd

Two words—Dwight Howard.

As long as he's the main man in Orlando, the Magic are only going to get better over the years. Also with Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis by Howard's side, Orlando has to come in with bigger expectations than last season.

Van Gundy did an excellent job his first season as Magic head coach, and with another year under his belt, Orlando will do nothing but improve.

Byron Scott—New Orleans Hornets

Predicted Record: 59-23

Western Conference Standing: Second

No coach has ever won this award in back-to-back seasons, but something tells me if the Hornets finish with one of the three best records in the league it could happen. New Orleans was a huge surprise last season, but now they have big expectations on their shoulders.

The Hornets will have everyone back from last year's squad, and now they also have James Posey, who was a big part in Boston's championship run last season. It also helps when you have Chris Paul and David West leading the way, too.

Jerry Sloan—Utah Jazz

Predicted Record: 55-27

Western Conference Standing: Fourth or Fifth

There is no telling where Utah will sit next season if they win 55 games, because of the parity in the Western Conference. But they will be in the top five if they do.

Though Sloan has never won a Coach of the Year in his 20 years as a head coach, his time could come next season. As long as Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer are leading the way, the Jazz have nothing to worry about.

Also now that Kyle Korver, who made an impact last season, will be playing his first full season in a Jazz uniform, Utah can definitely win more games.

Eddie Jordan— Washington Wizards

Predicted Record: 46-36

Eastern Conference Standing: Fifth

Washington has enough talent to compete in the Eastern Conference, but Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler must stay healthy for that to happen. Arenas and Butler missed a number of games last season, and the Wizards still managed to finish fifth in the East.

Jordan has done an exceptional job coaching the Wizards, but I don't think we have seen the best of Washington yet.

The Winner: Maurice Cheeks

Right now the Sixers look real good on paper. If Brand is able to gel with his new teammates, Cheeks has a chance to run away with award.

Second Place: Rick Adelman

Third Place: Eddie Jordan

Other Candidates: Sam Mitchell (Toronto), Doc River (Boston) and Nate McMillan (Portland)

Michael Whittenberg, a senior writer for bleacherreport.com, is also one of two NBA Community Leaders.