NBA Preview: Top 5 NBA Coach Of The Year Candidates

Oct 12, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach

watches his team play against Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

Doc Rivers, Los Angeles Clippers

After a confusing season, surrounded by controversy, the Los Angeles Clippers will look to be in full swing and free of distractions this year.

Led by the superior coaching of Doc Rivers, they will push to shed focus off of the scenarios of last season and become one of the best teams in the league, topping last season’s efforts. Rivers won Coach of the Year in 2000 and could have won in 2008 as coach of the championship winning Boston Celtics.

He, along with a select few coaches, define what we call a “players coach.” He builds close relationships with many of his players and has a terrific understanding of their talents and specific skill set. His players’ coach mentality can win him Coach of the Year if he can transform the Clippers into a team that can actually win a championship. This season, Rivers is going to have to find a way to help Blake Griffin elevate his game and keep Chris Paul’s actions on point. If the Clippers can change things around, then there is an authentic chance of honoring Doc Rivers as the NBA’s top coach.