2022 NBA Awards Watch: The official halfway-point ballot

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 19: Head coach Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls has a few words with DeMar DeRozan #11 in the final seconds of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the United Center on December 19, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois, 2022 NBA Awards Watch: The official halfway-point ballot. The Bulls defeated the Lakers 115-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

2022 NBA Awards Watch: Coach of the Half-Year – Billy Donovan

Honorable Mentions: Taylor Jenkins, J.B. Bickerstaff

Given that the Chicago Bulls have stormed out to the best record in the Eastern Conference, Billy Donovan was always going to be in consideration. Coming into the season with plenty of question marks on a roster filled with newcomers, many expected the Bulls to be a borderline playoff team.

Instead, they are at the top of the Conference and fourth in offensive rating. Donovan consistently finds ways to put his players in a position to succeed and should be awarded accordingly.

There were countless names that could round out the ballot at this point, but for now, we have settled on Taylor Jenkins and J.B. Bickerstaff.

Jenkins has taken the upstart Memphis Grizzlies to a surprising four-seed at the halfway mark, despite Ja Morant missing 13 games. Much like any of the awards, some go to the leap of Ja Morant to a borderline MVP candidate or Desmond Bane being in the Most Improved conversation, but coaching plays a huge role in that. The recent 11-game winning streak does not hurt his place on this list either.

Bickerstaff has dealt with season-ending injuries to Ricky Rubio and Collin Sexton but has found himself with three potential All-Star candidates and his system thriving. Integrating Mobley into a system already built around Jarrett Allen has enabled them to be a stingy defense. Darius Garland has taken a leap. Kevin Love has bought back in. Everything is coming up right for Cleveland right now.