Coach of the Year....

[PhxGametime]

Popovich to receive top coach award

By Johnny Ludden
San Antonio Express-News

Web Posted : 04/28/2003 12:00 AM

PHOENIX — Gregg Popovich will be named the NBA's Coach of the Year today, a league source said Sunday.
Popovich, who has coached the Spurs since replacing Bob Hill during the 1996-97 season, is the franchise's first coach to win the award.

Under Popovich, the Spurs matched Dallas for the league's best record at 60-22, won their third straight Midwest Division title and secured the Western Conference's No. 1 playoff seed.

The Spurs went 41-9 since Jan. 1 and became the first team in NBA history to win 18 of its last 20 road games.

Utah's Jerry Sloan, Golden State's Eric Musselman, Dallas' Don Nelson, Detroit's Rick Carlisle and Memphis' Hubie Brown also were among the leading candidates for the award.

Popovich led the Spurs to their first NBA championship in 1999.

 

[Joe Mama]

As much as I hate Karl Malone and the Utah Jazz I think Jerry Sloan should be the Coach of the Year. In fact I think he should have been Coach of the Year last year as well. Just look at what he has done with the two old men and some other players. It truly is remarkable.

Joe Mama

 

[cheng]

I agree, I don't like Utah or Jerry Sloan. But he is the reason why Utah has been in the playoffs the last 3 years when people predict they wouldn't make it. They play good defense and always have good chemistry. Despite limited talent, they are still the most efficient team with the best FG%.

How about Jerry Sloan as suns head coach?

I think FJ is the worst coach among the teams are in the playoffs in the west. Nelson, Jackson,Sloan,Sauders,Cheeks,Popovich and Adelman are better coaches.

 

[reedykat]

I've been really impressed with Pop's adjustments throughout this playoff series. Prior to this series, i'd never paid much attention to Pop but i see know that he is a very good coach. I agree that he is the coach of the year.

 

[jbeecham]

If Jerry Sloan can get Utah to the playoffs next year without Stockton or Malone then he should be coach of the year next year.