NBA Power Rankings: The Top 10 Player-Coaches in the NBA
In the NBA, team chemistry is pivotal toward ascertaining the ultimate goal of winning a championship.
No matter what mix of players are on the hardwood, the head coach must be the one responsible for setting the tone and inspiring the bond.
It's not a group of 12-15 guys, but rather a single cohesive unit that enjoys successes and failures together. With so many egos and personalities in today's league, it's often tough to create that type of atmosphere in the locker room.
However, it seems that the following ten coaches have got it down pat, and have a firm level of respect around the league.
10. Doug Collins, Philadelphia 76ers
1 of 10
It's easy to look at the Sixers' record and brush them off as another underachiever in the East, but that's simply not the case.
With his team just a half game out of a playoff spot, Collins has inspired some hope in a Philadelphia franchise that hasn't seen glory days since Allen Iverson was still on the squad.
After finishing just 27-55 in 2009-10, Collins has been able to maximize the most from his players and really utilize the talent on the team. Firmly believing in each man's ability to contribute to the team, Collins has guys like Elton Brand and Spencer Hawes playing better basketball than they have in quite some time.
While he may not be the vocal presence that some other coaches are, Collins' smooth, calm demeanor is perfect for a young, re-building Philadelphia franchise.
9. Alvin Gentry, Phoenix Suns
2 of 10
Remember when Terry Porter was coaching Phoenix? Yikes.
Enter Alvin Gentry, who was a better fit for this team since day one. A real player's coach with a strong proclivity to design the gameplan around his superstar's strengths, Gentry has proved that he has the ability to maximize the most from all of his players.
After a surprising postseason run last season that saw them ultimately lose to the Lakers, the Suns are a team very much in flux and may not even make the playoffs. However, that hasn't broken the veteran coach's stride, as he's still very much liked by the players on his team.
8. Tom Thibodeau, Chicago Bulls
3 of 10
In his first season as a head coach in the NBA, Thibodeau is performing at a standout level.
Despite his team having to manage a couple of big time injuries of late with Carlos Boozer just recently returning and Joakim Noah now sidelined until almost March, Thibodeau has changed the basketball culture in Chicago and his players are really buying into what he's selling.
A defense-first coach, the improved defensive intensity from Derrick Rose and Luol Deng can be directly attributed to Thibodeau. Most importantly, everyone seems to be on the same page and the Bulls have officially surpassed the Magic in terms of talent in the eyes of most evaluators.
And if the Bulls can beat the Celtics in the postseason? Not only would it be sweet for TT, but there might be a large group of players interested in playing for the new-look Bulls.
This team hasn't this much fire behind it since the days of MJ.
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7. Stan Van Gundy, Orlando Magic
4 of 10
The guy just wants to win.
Known for letting every player on his roster get at least one crack at showing what they've got, the more circular Van Gundy brother strives to get everything he can out of each player in every single game.
Although he has one of the most questionable mustaches in NBA history, his coaching skills are undeniable, and his ability to make things gel on the fly has been (and will continue to be) critical to his success.
Unfortunately, his Magic team is much like the Chauncey Billups led Detroit Pistons team that seemed to always reach the conference finals, but never be able to take home the title.
6. Scott Brooks, Oklahoma City Thunder
5 of 10
When the Thunder drafted Russell Westbrook fourth overall, many had an eyebrow raised and were wondering about the future of the franchise.
Well, it's safe to say that pick worked out just fine.
Sure, Westbrook is a fantastic athlete and has really come on strong during his first few seasons in the league, and playing with one of the league's best in Kevin Durant doesn't hurt, but the coaching of Scottie Brooks has been instrumental in both player's developments.
Coaching up guys like Serge Ibaka, Thabo Sefalosha, and even Nick Collison, Brooks has been able to squeeze out every ounce of talent from each player on his roster on a nightly basis.
While he may not have the tenure that some others around the league do, there's no doubt that he will remain a head coach in this league for the long-term.
5. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs
6 of 10
He might be the most boring coach on the sidelines in the league, but there's no arguing against the success he's had with his approach.
Pop's old school approach combined with his ability to design a unique game plan for each opponent allows his players to have the utmost trust in him. Furthermore, Popovich is known for getting all of his players involved, and resting his veterans when they need it most; just ask Tim Duncan.
While he may not be well-liked by some, he is certainly revered by all, and any player in the league would tell you that they'd love to play for a coach that has the smarts that Big Poppa Pump does.
4. Jerry Sloan, Utah Jazz
7 of 10
It's no wonder that Sloan is the longest tenured coach in the league.
There hasn't been a single word of ill will uttered against Sloan by any of his players in recent memory, and it's hard to imagine it ever happening in the future.
It seems that no matter the makeup of players, Sloan always seems to guide the Jazz to a playoff berth. Known for giving every other team their best competition on a nightly basis, they might not be the most exciting group of guys, but they're certainly prolific.
And they can thank Mr. Consistent for that.
3. Doc Rivers, Boston Celtics
8 of 10
It sure looks like those Celtics are having fun out there.
Always smiling and with great things to say about his players, Doc is one of the more personable coaches around the league.
It seems that each player who goes to Boston wants to stay for as long as possible, and it's hard to blame them. Using crafty game planning, shrewd pick and roll plays, and really using his player's strengths to execute a flawless game.
With this being perhaps his last season in the coaching ranks, he's looking to go out on top, and his players will most certainly give him their all.
2. George Karl, Denver Nuggets
9 of 10
You don't want to find yourself in coach Karl's doghouse, because that's the only time he's not very personable.
One of the most inspirational coaching stories across all sports, Karl inspires his players to be better. More importantly, the confidence that he shows in all of his players in critical situations allow them to play all 48 minutes with a relaxed attitude.
Despite the injuries that he's had to deal with this season (Chris Andersen, Kenyon Martin, Chauncey Billups) and the constantly swirling trade rumors involving team superstar Carmelo Anthony, Karl has the Nuggets playing some very good basketball and it doesn't appear they're going to fall off anytime soon.
1. Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers
10 of 10
They don't call him the zen master for nothing.
With a unique plan in mind for each player on his roster, Jackson leads team meditation sessions and gives each player different books to read throughout the season. Understanding that no two players are alike, Jackson takes the time to get to know each player as not only a basketball player, but as a man as well.
Creating comfortable bonds that builds team chemistry on a daily basis, it's no wonder that Jackson is in search of his 12th ring as a coach.
And as long as his health holds up, he could go for even more than that.
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