NBA Coach of the Year (COY) rankings 2024-25: Top 5 candidates in Week 12 ft. Michael Malone

Week 12 in the NBA was marked by significant shifts, as several long winning streaks came to an end. These cracks in the standings allowed teams with rocky starts to redefine themselves and climb higher in the rankings.

Once again, the week delivered electrifying matchups between league heavyweights, influencing both the title race and team standings.

Who claimed the honor of Coach of the Week? Let’s take a closer look at the frontrunners for NBA Coach of the Year as Week 12 wraps up.

Top five NBA Coach of the Year candidates after Week 12

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#5. J.B. Bickerstaff (Last week’s ranking: Unranked)

The Detroit Pistons have officially turned the corner. In his first year at the helm, J.B. Bickerstaff has already eclipsed last season’s win total under Monty Williams and has the team on track for their best campaign since the 41-41 finish in 2018-19.

Sitting at 21-19 with an 8-2 record over their last 10 games, Detroit has the seventh-best defense in the NBA during this span, as Cade Cunningham’s star continues to rise.

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#4. Michael Malone (Last week’s ranking: Unranked)

Injuries have become blessings in disguise for Michael Malone’s Denver Nuggets, who have surged to fourth place in the Western Conference with an 8-2 record over their last 10 games. They’ve won four straight, including three victories over Western Conference playoff hopefuls.

The Russell Westbrook resurgence is real — over the last 15 games, he’s started 12 and been stellar, averaging 16.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists on 55.2% shooting. Malone has unlocked Westbrook’s two-man game with Nikola Jokic, helping the Nuggets maintain a 2.5-game lead over their closest Western rivals.

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#3. Ime Udoka (Last week’s ranking: No. 3)

Ime Udoka’s Houston Rockets had a gritty showing this week, extending their winning streak to four games with back-to-back victories over the Memphis Grizzlies to solidify their hold on the No. 2 spot in the competitive Western Conference.

While Houston’s offense ranks 11th and remains a work in progress, their defense is elite, ranking third in the league. With a young, hungry core and veterans ready to guide them, the second half of the season will reveal whether the Rockets become active buyers at the trade deadline.

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#2. Mark Daigneault (Last week’s ranking: #1)

Reigning NBA Coach of the Year Mark Daigneault drops to the No. 2 spot this week, largely due to shifting narratives. The OKC Thunder’s impressive 15-game winning streak was snapped in a thrilling contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers, which featured 30 lead changes.

However, they’ve bounced back with three straight wins and continue to prove they’re the best team in the West. Exciting times lie ahead, with a rematch against the Cavaliers looming and the anticipated return of Chet Holmgren.

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#1. Kenny Atkinson (Last week’s ranking: #2)

Kenny Atkinson takes the top spot this week, following the Cavaliers’ victory over the Thunder in a clash of NBA powerhouses. Narrative matters in this award race, and with Cleveland’s jaw-dropping 34-5 start, Atkinson is firmly in the driver’s seat for Coach of the Year.

The Cavaliers boast the league’s best offensive rating at 121.3 and the second-best net rating, just behind the Thunder. With Atkinson orchestrating the offense, Cleveland is capable of unleashing scoring bursts at any time. This award is now his to lose.