The 2024 NBA offseason has come to a close, with teams all around the league boasting new rosters and fresh faces eager to make an impact when the 2024-25 season tips off. The onus of bringing together these new players and molding them into cohesive units falls squarely on the shoulders of the head coaches in the NBA.
It’s no secret that the pressure cooker of NBA coaching can reach scorching levels, especially for those tasked with turning talented rosters into championship contenders. Here are three coaches who will be feeling the heat as the new season approaches.
Mike Budenholzer finds himself in the spotlight as he takes the reigns of a Phoenix Suns team loaded with talent but lacking in chemistry. The trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal has yet to see consistent playing time together due to injuries, leading to struggles in the playoffs. Budenholzer will have to keep his superstar trio healthy, foster team chemistry, and manage the scoring responsibilities to give the Suns a shot at a deep postseason run.
Over in Philadelphia, Nick Nurse faces the challenge of meshing together a deep and talented roster headlined by Joel Embiid. With the addition of Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, Nurse must navigate the egos and playing styles of his star trio to put the Sixers in contention for their first NBA Finals appearance in over two decades.
Meanwhile, in the Big Apple, Tom Thibodeau has his work cut out for him as he looks to guide the New York Knicks to greater heights following a busy offseason that saw the acquisition of Mikal Bridges. With a starting lineup brimming with young talent, Thibodeau will need to maximize the potential of his squad to make a serious push in the competitive Eastern Conference.
As the countdown to the new NBA season begins, all eyes will be on these three coaches to see if they can handle the pressure and lead their teams to success on the hardwood. Only time will tell if they can rise to the challenge or crumble under the weight of expectations.
