NBA: Top 10 candidates for 2018-19 Coach of the Year award

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8. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs

Like Kerr and D’Antoni, Gregg Popovich is such a regular on Coach of the Year ballots that he might be overlooked. Unlike Kerr and D’Antoni, however, there are several compelling storylines surrounding the San Antonio Spurs that could give Pop his fourth COY award if they exceed expectations.

It’s no secret this summer was a brutal one for Spurs fans. Kawhi Leonard forced his way out after an ugly and uncomfortable standoff, Tony Parker left in free agency, Manu Ginobili retired, and all of it paled in comparison to the saddest loss of all, the passing of Pop’s wife, Erin Popovich, back in April.

With some new faces in the supporting cast and DeMar DeRozan stepping in for the nine games Kawhi played last season, Popovich faces a challenge. How will he field a competent offense when his two best players are mid-range gunners and the Spurs ranked in the bottom five for 3-point attempts, makes and percentage last year? If he can pull it off, and the Spurs improve on their 47-win season after losing their best player, COY votes will be coming his way.