Top 5 most desirable head coaching vacancies in the NBA right now 

The revolving door of head coaches in the NBA has been in full swing recently. Nate Bjorkgren was relieved of his duties with the Indiana Pacers last week, while on Wednesday both Stan Van Gundy and Scott Brooks parted company with their franchises.

For these teams, finding a new coach is of utmost importance in the coming weeks to give them the most time possible to help prepare for the upcoming season. In this article, we will examine what the five most desirable head coach roles are currently in the NBA.

Ranking the top 5 sides seeking a new head coach in the NBA

#5 Indiana Pacers

Indiana Pacers NBA All-Star Domantas Sabonis

The Indiana Pacers made the embarrassing, yet necessary coaching decision last week by parting company with Nate Bjorkgren after just one season in charge. His tenure came to an end after the Pacers crashed out of the NBA play-in tournament following a crushing 115-142 loss to the Washington Wizards.

Wizards to the Playoffs as #8 in the East after dominating the Pacers 142-115 in the final Play-In. Washington opened a double digit lead in the 2nd qtr and never looked backTheir series with the Sixers starts on Sunday in Philadelphia at 1pm ET #NBA pic.twitter.com/Y64k6yBMiM

— Davide Chinellato (@dchinellato) May 21, 2021

The result was indicative of Indiana basketball under Bjorkgren as they struggled for consistency throughout the NBA season. The Pacers finished the campaign bottom for offensive rebounds allowed and ranked inside the bottom-six sides for points and assists conceded.

Several Indiana players had solid seasons, headlined by All-Star Domantas Sabonis. Their form rarely overlapped with one another's as injuries to Caris LaVert and Myles Turner got in the way. Off the court, meanwhile, there were issues with Bjorkgren's management style which caused rifts between other players and staff.

Nevertheless, the Pacers' job is hugely desirable as a team who can definitely push to make the NBA playoffs next season. They have an encouraging core of talent and have several scoring options on offense.

#4 Washington Wizards

Washington Wizards star Russell Westbrook with former coach Scott Brooks

The Washington Wizards' late run to claim a playoff berth was nothing short of astounding after their first half of the season. Despite their success against the odds, the franchise decided to part ways with head coach Scott Brooks after a new deal could not be decided between the two parties.

Although the Wizards have two NBA superstars in Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal, they come second-bottom of our list. This is due to the fact that an incoming coach would have little else to work with and little scope for trades. Beal and Westbrook took up a disproportionately large amount of the club's cap space. The players they could sell wouldn't bring in a lot in way of improvement.

Wizards and Scott Brooks have agreed to part ways, per @wojespnBoth sides couldn’t agree on a new deal pic.twitter.com/iWiefIPIR0

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 16, 2021

Furthermore, Bradley Beal's future is currently unknown. The small forward had his best season for the Wizards in terms of points and almost took home the scoring title but may try to chase a title elsewhere. Beyond the two stars, Washington has some developing talent but not enough to put up a serious challenge in the playoffs again.

#3 New Orleans Pelicans

Golden State Warriors v New Orleans Pelicans

It has been a tumultuous season for the New Orleans Pelicans and one that thoroughly disappointed their fanbase. Heading into the campaign, Stan Van Gundy's side were expected to make the playoffs with Zion Williamson looking to take his talent to the main stage. However, it was not to be and the Pels struggled for consistency all year, ending on a 31-41 record.

With Van Gundy out of the way, a new head coach could see the Pelicans as a project worth taking up. Zion Williamson is destined to be one of the faces of the NBA. The Pels front office will want to make sure they bring in the appropriate coach to help him make that next step and, more importantly, keep him happy.

Pelicans assistant coach Teresa Weatherspoon is expected to emerge as a candidate to replace Stan Van Gundy in New Orleans, league sources say.

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 16, 2021

#2 Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics v Brooklyn Nets - Game Five

There was widespread surprise around the NBA when it was announced at the beginning of June that Boston Celtics legend Danny Ainge would be leaving the franchise. The former president paved the way for head coach Brad Stevens to move upstairs with his role now up for grabs.

There is no doubting the Boston Celtics are a high-profile organization with high expectations. They struggled for form this season and were easily beaten by the Brooklyn Nets in the playoffs, though did have to endure that series without star guard Jaylen Brown.

Any incoming coach would be excited to work with the likes of Jayson Tatum and Brown as the cornerstones of a strong team worth challenging in the postseason. However, the franchise has a long offseason ahead with several questions needing to be answered.

The team desperately needs a replacement in the paint and need additional wing scoring. Therefore, the new appointment may have to settle with the fact that success may not be instantaneous and that they will have a difficult budget to work with to bring in new talent.

#1 Portland Trail Blazers

Denver Nuggets v Portland Trail Blazers - Game Six

Possibly the most desirable head coaching vacancy in the NBA currently is the Portland Trail Blazers job. Terry Stotts spent nine years with the franchise and took them to the playoffs for eight seasons in a row. However, four first-round playoff exits have evidently frustrated the organization's superior figures. They may want to put renewed trust in Damian Lillard that they are fighting for a title to make him stay.

The Trail Blazers have the best regular-season record of any team on this list. They come with a ready-made superstar in Lillard and several exciting offensive weapons alongside him. Him and CJ McCollum have formed a formidable backcourt partnership over their years together, while Norman Powell has impressed since arriving from Toronto.

At the time of writing, there are several candidates for the role, including ex-Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni, as well as the LA Clippers' Chauncy Billups and Spurs' assistant coach Becky Hammon.