NBA: Top 5 Coach of the Year Candidates Entering 2015-16

Nov 1, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra on the sidelines against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

No. 5: Eric Spoelstra – Miami Heat

Last July, the basketball world was shocked as Lebron James opted to return to his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers after a successful run with the Miami Heat. This decision left the Heat in shambles as so much of their offense and defense was predicated around his abilities. Their fall from grace was hard to watch and it left many people wondering how long it’d be until the Heat were back in the mix in the Eastern Conference.

Well…it only took a season. After smart moves at last year’s trade deadline and then again during the summer, the Heat have been able to compile a roster capable of taking the fight to just about any team in the league. Eric Spoelstra is still in command of this ship, with Pat Riley continuing to back him with total support.

Spoelstra has been given credit in the past as a great basketball mind, and a coach who truly knows how to get the most out of his players. In the past though, he’s been aided by superstar talent. Aside from King James, the Heat have been anchored for well over a decade by perennial All-Star Dwayne Wade, and recently the gifted big man, Chris Bosh. Wade and Bosh are still with the team, however they appear to be beyond the days of superstar production.

If Spoelstra can manage to coach up the other members of this roster, and still get maximum production from these to aging stars, he’ll net himself not only prime playoff position, but also a solid number of votes in the Coach of the Year decision.

Next: No. 4