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NBA: Coaches Facing the Most Pressure in 2015-16

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 14, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers reacts against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers reacts against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 16, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt talks to media after game six of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 16, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt talks to media after game six of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

David Blatt, Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers reached the NBA Finals in David Blatt’s first season as head coach. For most, that would be enough to not only alleviate pressure, but dismantle the hot seat altogether.

Not in Cleveland.

LeBron James is entering the final years of his prime, which means Blatt needs to put together a string of dominant seasons. Cleveland started 2014-15 at 19-20 before going 34-9 the rest of the way.

The latter record is closer to the expectations for the Cavaliers.

With Kyrie Irving in danger of being sidelined until January, Blatt will need to be at his best. The strategy must match the strengths of the players on the floor.

That could start with having Kevin Love, an elite offensive rebounder, closer than 20 feet away from the basket.

Next: Only His First Year