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NBA: Power Ranking The 30 NBA Head Coaches Entering 2016-17

By Michael Saenz

May 10, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich gives direction to his team against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich gives direction to his team against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer reacts to a call against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer reacts to a call against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Mike Budenholzer, Atlanta Hawks

A former disciple of Gregg Popovich, who we’ll visit a littler later on this list, Mike Budenholzer has made a nice little name for himself with the Atlanta Hawks. After leading the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals a couple years ago, Budenholzer has stabilized the franchise.

Even after losing Al Horford this summer, expectations are still sky high in Atlanta with the free agent signing of Dwight Howard. Perhaps under a more defensive-minded brain, Dwight will be able to find his former Defensive Player of the Year self again.

Hey, I said perhaps.

Nevertheless, Dwight won’t be the only new starter in Atlanta. The Hawks also traded away Jeff Teague in order to promote Dennis Schroder from within, who now takes over at the starting point guard position. All in all, Budenholzer has his work cut out for him in 2016-17. Though, I don’t think we should expect anything short of another top 4 finish in the Eastern Conference from the Hawks.

And Mike Budenholzer, a Former NBA Coach of the Year (2015) award winner, is a big reason why.

Next: No. 3