Inside The Celtics

Former Celtics' Bench Boss Favorite for Coach of the Year

Bobby Krivitsky

Mar 27, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka watches his team play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka watches his team play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
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Yes, Joe Mazzulla has spent his first two years as an NBA head coach at the helm of a title contender that boasts the most talented top eight in the league.

However, he's also helped maximize his roster, schematically and in terms of mindset, quickly rising through the ranks to become one of the top bench bosses in the Association.

Mazzulla finished fourth for Coach of the Year last season. The award went to Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder. While that honor's likely headed the Johnston, Rhode Island native's way in the future, oddsmakers are skeptical about it happening for the 2024-25 campaign.

FanDuel Sportsbook gives Mazzulla the eighth-best odds to win Coach of the Year this season, listing him at +1600. Candidates 4-8 are in a tight bunch. Nick Nurse of the 76ers is fourth at +1000. Daigneault is behind him at +1200. Chris Finch of the Timberwolves is sixth at +1400. Jamahl Mosley of the Magic is listed seventh at +1500.

FanDuel Sportsbook deems former Celtics' bench boss Ime Udoka as the favorite for the award at +850.

Udoka's Rockets went 41-41, finishing 11th in the West last season, missing the play-in tournament by one spot. They utilized the third overall pick in this year's NBA Draft to add Reed Sheppard, a standout guard from Kentucky. They also traded for Steven Adams to bolster their depth at the center position behind top option Alperen Sengun.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Further Reading

Sam Cassell Compares Joe Mazzulla's Coaching Style to Doc Rivers'

Top 5 Games on Celtics' 2024-25 Schedule

Sam Hauser Grateful for Extension with Team That Gave Him His First Chance

Brad Stevens Shares Encouraging Rehab Update on Kristaps Porzingis

Jayson Tatum Opens Up About 'Challenging and Humbling' Olympic Experience

Jrue Holiday Makes History in Team USA's Gold Medal Win

Fenway Sports Group Considering Buying the Celtics

Here's What to Know about Jaylen Brown's Boston XChange

Jayson Tatum Gets Candid about Relationship with Jaylen Brown

Celtics Rookie Anton Watson Shares Brad Stevens' Message to Him

Celtics' Coaching Staff Changes Match Theme of Boston's Offseason

Al Horford, Raising Cane's, and a Region that Loves Him

On Derrick White and the Fuel for Unprecedented Journey to NBA's Best Role Player

Published
Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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