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NBA: Top 10 Coaching Candidates

By Aaron Ferguson

Apr 1, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts to a call during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts to a call during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Basketball: Closeup of San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Ettore Messina before game vs Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Los Angeles, CA 11/10/2014 CREDIT: John W. McDonough (Photo by John W. McDonough /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X158905 TK1 )
Basketball: Closeup of San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Ettore Messina before game vs Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center.Los Angeles, CA 11/10/2014CREDIT: John W. McDonough (Photo by John W. McDonough /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images)(Set Number: X158905 TK1 ) /

Ettore Messina

Teams Coached: None
Career Record: 0-0
Postseason(s) and Record: 0 appearances, 0-0

Ettore Messina is best-known for his coaching in Italy and Russia. His spent two years as a consultant to the Lakers from 2011-12 and is currently a San Antonio Spurs assistant coach.

In total, Messina has coached 25 championship teams in the Euroleague, Italian League, Italian Cup, Russian League, Russian Cup and VTB United League combined. He is a two-time recipient  (2006 and 2008) of the Euroleague Coach Of The Year award.

Messina, 56, coached the World Team during the 2016 Rising Stars Challenge during the NBA’s All-Star Weekend. The analysts during the game were raved about Messina’s coaching abilities and almost lobbied for him to get a head coaching position. His time is coming, and it may be sooner than later.

Messina has drawn interest from the Kings, according to HoopBall’s Aaron Bruski. Before the Nets head coaching position was filled, he was considered to be a candidate for that job, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein. Messina’s coaching abilities are unquestionable and it could lead to his first NBA head coaching position.

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