Like in every season, a few coaches have performed at an elite level this campaign and deserve recognition. Let’s take a look at the top five candidates who are in the race for this season NBA Coach of the Year award.

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• Monty Williams (Phoenix Suns)

Williams had a fantastic season as head coach by leading the Suns to the 2nd best record in the Western Conference. While Tom Thibodeau was an excellent choice for the Knicks last year because he led them to the playoffs for the first time since 2013, Monty Williams was a clear runner-up.

This upcoming season, expect Monty Williams to go for the top seed in the West. At age 49, the coach has a very bright future and is already recognized as one of the best coaches in the league. Monty will likely have a strong team in 2022 led by Chris Paul and the ascending Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton.

• Quin Snyder (Utah Jazz)

Under Snyder’s tutelage, the Jazz have been a dominant force at home, winning 18 of their 20 games at the Vivint Arena. However, the highlight of their season was their 11-game winning streak the team embarked upon between 9-30 January this year.

Coach Snyder’s men have proven their mettle as an elite unit, tying for the franchise record of three All-Star selections this season. All that is left for them now is to make a deep playoff run to silence their critics and announce their arrival as a championship caliber team.

• Doc Rivers (Philadelphia 76ers)

Doc Rivers’ defense-first mantra is better suited to the 76ers, and this season could mark the year when the Philadelphia 76ers take the next step in the playoffs, with a championship-caliber head coach at their helm.

Rivers could be another leading candidate for this season Coach of the Year award if his team continue their stunning performances.

• Tom Thibodeau (New York Knicks)

The New York Knicks are currently occupying fifth place in the East with a 23-22 record on the season. Under coach Thibodeau, the New York Knicks could easily clinch a playoff and start a new chapter in their history.

The resurgence of the Knicks this season can potentially turn them into a desired destination for All-Star caliber talent in the off-season. While coach Tom Thibodeau is not a frontrunner for the Coach of the Year award this campaign, he could do so in the very near future.

• Tyronn Lue (LA Clippers)

This season, the LA Clippers are playing with a different style under coach Lue, which has worked wonders for them so far. Paul George is looking more comfortable in his role than last year and could potentially do better in the postseason this time around.

Through all the ups and downs of the season, Lue has been able to maintain an impressive winning record (30-16) in his first year in charge of the LA Clippers.