NBA: Top 10 candidates for Coach of the Year Award in 2017-18

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2. Billy Donovan

Billy Donovan‘s first season on the job saw him grapple with the overwhelming pressure of fielding a contender in what would prove to be Kevin Durant‘s last season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Last season was much simpler, with expectations lowered and OKC’s entire team concept revolving around Russell Westbrook doing triple-doubley, MVP things.

This year will bring the immense pressure back into Donovan’s life, not only because Westbrook has yet to sign a contract extension, but because new arrivals Paul George and Carmelo Anthony heighten expectations…and could raise the devastation to unprecedented levels if a disappointing finish leads all three stars leave in free agency next summer.

Donovan has the difficult task of reining in a player who just averaged a triple-double, and getting him to abandon the hero ball that won’t fly with PG-13 and Melo onboard. There’s only one ball to go around, but the Thunder have a stacked roster after a tremendous summer from GM Sam Presti. If they finish with a top-three seed in the West, you can be guaranteed his work with this talented, new-look roster will earn him significant Coach of the Year votes.