Was Steve Kerr Deserving of the 2016 Coach of the Year Award?
The debate over whether Steve Kerr deserved to win the 2016 Coach of the Year award in the NBA is a complex one. Many argue that his success with the Golden State Warriors was simply a result of coaching a talented roster, while others point to his innovative strategies and sustained success.
Kerr's Sustained Success
Kerr's tenure as Warriors head coach began in 2014 when he succeeded Mark Jackson. Since then, the team has consistently emerged as one of the top in the league. In his first full season as head coach (2016), Kerr racked up an impressive 67 wins. This was followed by an even more remarkable 73 wins in the 2016-2017 season, resulting in a historic 73-9 record. Kerr's overall record in his first two seasons stands at 140-24, giving him a 85% winning percentage, the best in NBA history. Kerr's ability to maintain such a high winning percentage demonstrates his strategic acumen and leadership.
Empowering the Staff
Kerr's willingness to empower his coaching staff, including video coordinators and other support staff, is one of his strongest qualities as a coach. This approach was evident during the 2015 NBA Finals when a video coordinator suggested switching Andre Iguodala to the starting lineup. Kerr was open to this suggestion, and this pragmatic decision significantly impacted the series outcome, ultimately contributing to the Warriors' victory.
Other Strong Contenders
While Kerr's achievements are impressive, other coaches also deserve recognition for their outstanding performances in the 2016 season. Terry Stotts, coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, came from behind to allow his team to challenge for the playoffs despite significant injuries to key players. Meanwhile, Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs had their most successful regular season in history, finishing with only one home loss for the entire year.
Despite the success of these coaches, Kerr's contributions to the Warriors' success are undeniably significant. His strategic moves and ability to utilize every player to their full potential played a crucial role in the team's performances. While recognizing the achievements of other coaches is important, the sustainable success and innovative strategies employed by Kerr underpin his deservingness of the 2016 Coach of the Year award.
As Kerr continues to coach, he will have opportunities to prove why he deserves the title. Interim coach Luke Walton's contributions should also be acknowledged, but they do not overshadow Kerr's long-term impact on the team. The essential question remains: did Kerr's innovative strategies and unwavering determination deserve the Coach of the Year award in 2016?