Eggers: Terry Stotts Emerging as Coach of the Year Candidate

With the Portland Trail Blazers flying high after a 13th consecutive win Sunday night, Portland Tribune writer Kerry Eggers says Terry Stotts deserves consideration for NBA Coach of the Year, ranking among the Top 3 candidates.

Eggers spoke with multiple Blazers players on the job he’s done getting the most out of his team, which currently sits in third place in the Western Conference at 44-26. Damian Lillard offered his take:

“I’d love to see him win it,” Lillard says. “He deserves it. Our team has had a solid year. We’re up there with the best teams in the league. Players have to go out there and play, and our team is doing a great job. But I’ve always said our coaching staff prepares us. Everything we do around here is sharp. We run a tight ship. It’s a good environment, and that starts at the top. He deserves a lot of credit for that.”

Eggers’ piece also features multiple quotes from Ed Davis, Meyers Leonard, Jake Layman, and Stotts himself.

Stotts will have some stiff competition for the award. Other coaches receiving COTY buzz include Toronto’s Dwane Casey, Houston’s Mike D’Antoni, and Boston’s Brad Stevens.