NBA Preview: Top 5 NBA Coach Of The Year Candidates

Feb 14, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Miami Heat head coach Eric Spoelstra signals a play to his team in action against the OKlahoma City Thunder during the second half at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat

Surprised Eric Spoelstra made the list?

Well, if the Heat somehow find a way to remain a top contender in the Eastern Conference, sans LeBron James, then Spoelstra is right there with the best of them.

Spoelstra was an underrated NBA coach for the Miami Heat because of LeBron James, which is something Blatt could experience.

Although, the Heat looked like a superior team, Spoelstra was motivational in making the Heat believe they could matchup successfully against anyone. This year he has the responsibility of drawing up plays for their new go-to guy Chris Bosh, making sure everything flows well on both ends of the floor while serving as motivation to a much less talented roster.

Spoelstra is capable of each of these duties and, if he is successful in doing so, he just might top everyone for NBA Coach of the Year.