NBA: Ranking all 30 head coaches heading into 2023-24

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Charlotte Hornets coach Steve Clifford (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) /

30. Darko Rajaković, Toronto Raptors, and 29. Adrian Griffin, Milwaukee Bucks

Both Darko Rajaković and Adrian Griffin are entering their first season as NBA head coaches after multiple seasons as assistants. I gave Griffin the slight edge over Rajaković for two reasons: he’s been an NBA assistant coach longer and he played in the league. That’s it.

28. Wes Unseld, Jr., Washington Wizards

His Washington Wizards squads posted identical 35-47 records and missed the playoffs in each of his two seasons. And that was WITH Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis. As the Wizards head into a rebuild, Unseld is certainly going to have his work cut out for him.

27. Jacques Vaughn, Brooklyn Nets

Jacques Vaughn did a solid job with the Brooklyn Nets last season after taking over for Steve Nash. The former point guard’s next playoff win as a head coach will also be his first playoff win as a head coach.

26. Steve Clifford, Charlotte Hornets

Charlotte Hornets head coach Steven Clifford is known as a defensive guru but hasn’t adjusted to a faster-paced NBA game. The lack of talent on his roster hasn’t helped, though they will be improved (at least on paper) heading into this season. Regardless, his teams have gone just 48-106 since 2020.