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Challenges await NBA's first-year head coaches

Jason Kidd of the Brooklyn Nets is one of a record nine first-year head coaches to start an NBA season.

Jason Kidd of the Brooklyn Nets is one of a record nine first-year head coaches to start an NBA season.

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Michael Malone landed the Kings' head coaching job after a 12-year run as an NBA assistant.

Michael Malone landed the Kings' head coaching job after a 12-year run as an NBA assistant.

David Joerger faces the tall task of replacing a head coach that reached the conference finals last season.

David Joerger faces the tall task of replacing a head coach that reached the conference finals last season.

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After spending 17 years as an assistant in San Antonio, Mike Budenholzer is taking over in Atlanta.

After spending 17 years as an assistant in San Antonio, Mike Budenholzer is taking over in Atlanta.

"There's a risk involved in a decision like this," Levien said of the Grizzlies' move from Hollins to Joerger. "But we believe it's a calculated risk on our part. I believe our team has a lower floor than it had if we hadn't changed leadership, and also a higher ceiling."

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