NBA Coaching Carousel 2025: Pros, Cons, and Future Outlook

• 2024-25 Record: 51-31
• New Coach: Mike Brown
• Previous Coach: Tom Thibodeau
• Lead Executive: Leon Rose (hired in 2020)

Positives: Ready-to-win roster, financial flexibility

This is a highly sought-after coaching position. New York boasts a roster featuring All-NBA talents Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, supported by versatile wings like OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart, plus reliable reserves Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride. The allure of New York City combined with a contender status and potential playing time makes the team an attractive destination for veteran free agents seeking minimum deals to deepen the roster. However, the talented starting five struggled statistically together, posting a negative net rating late in the season and in the playoffs. The team`s low ranking in three-point attempts and pace also suggests potential for philosophical shifts under a new coach.

Negatives: Immense expectations, roster limitations

Dismissing a coach after one of the franchise`s most successful recent runs sets an extremely high bar for the successor. The team`s clear statement emphasized their sole focus: “Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans.” Mike Brown will be acutely aware of this mandate. A key challenge will be building a championship-caliber defense incorporating both Brunson and Towns, something the previous coach struggled with, particularly in key playoff series. Any early difficulties next season will undoubtedly lead to immediate questions about the decision to move on from Thibodeau.

• 2024-25 Record: 36-46 (No. 11 in West)
• New Coach: Jordan Ott (hired on June 4)
• Previous Coach: Mike Budenholzer
• Lead Executive: James Jones (hired in 2018)

Positives: A franchise cornerstone, veteran role players

Although Kevin Durant was traded to Houston, Phoenix retains Devin Booker as a franchise cornerstone. They also acquired a promising young player in Jalen Green as part of the Durant package and addressed center depth in the draft with Mark Williams (via trade) and Khaman Maluach. The roster includes established veterans like Bradley Beal, Dillon Brooks, Grayson Allen, Nick Richards, and Royce O`Neale, plus recent rookie additions Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro who could contribute to the rotation.

Negatives: Instability, severe lack of flexibility

Phoenix faces significant instability, hiring its fourth head coach in four seasons after firing Mike Budenholzer just one year into his contract. Owner Mat Ishbia has dismissed three coaches in slightly over two years of ownership. The team is severely constrained financially and roster-wise, having traded control of future draft picks for several seasons and operating significantly over the NBA`s punitive `second apron`. This creates an expensive roster with very limited means to improve it. The return for trading Kevin Durant was less than the cost to acquire him, and the situation surrounding the other acquired All-Star, Bradley Beal, remains uncertain.

Who Got the Job: Jordan Ott

Following a multi-week search, reports indicated the Suns` choice came down to two assistants from the Cleveland Cavaliers: Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott. Ott, hired on June 4th, has been an NBA assistant since 2012, known for emphasizing offensive and defensive creativity, player development, and toughness. The hiring process, led by new GM Brian Gregory, reportedly involved over 15 initial candidates and multiple interview rounds, including in-person meetings with five finalists.

• 2024-25 Record: 50-32 (No. 4 in West)
• New Coach: David Adelman (interim tag removed on May 22)
• Previous Coach: Michael Malone (fired April 8; Adelman took over on interim basis)
• Lead Executive: None (GM Calvin Booth also let go)

Positives: Elite championship core

Opportunities to coach teams with this level of talent are rare. Nikola Jokic, widely considered the world`s best player, forms a formidable duo with Jamal Murray, an elite pick-and-roll threat whose performance is strong after playoff struggles. Aaron Gordon`s versatility provides a perfect complement to Jokic, and Christian Braun has developed significantly. Despite a deep Western Conference, Denver was considered a leading contender before the unexpected dismissal of Michael Malone after a decade of success.

Negatives: Financial and roster limitations

Historically, Denver hasn`t been known for significant spending on coaching or executive staff, though this is less critical than the long-term constraints on maintaining a championship roster. Like many successful long-term contenders, the franchise has traded numerous draft picks and is committed to long-term player contracts. While the core players are secured for several years, flexibility for future improvements or depth additions is limited.

Who Got the Job: David Adelman

David Adelman, son of Hall of Fame coach Rick Adelman, has been promoted to head coach after serving as interim following Michael Malone`s dismissal on April 8th. Adelman, 44, was an assistant under Malone for eight seasons. He coached the Nuggets in the postseason, leading them to a Game 7. His promotion aligns with ownership`s goal to maximize the team`s window during Nikola Jokic`s prime years.

• 2024-25 Record: 34-48 (No. 13 in West)
• New Coach: Mitch Johnson
• Previous Coach: Gregg Popovich (transitioning to full-time role as president of basketball operations)
• Lead Executive: RC Buford (promoted to CEO in 2019)

Positives: Exciting young talent, abundant assets

San Antonio represents organizational stability and supportive ownership with a proven track record. The team boasts an electrifying young core, featuring back-to-back Rookie of the Year winners Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. They added more talent with two lottery picks in this year`s draft (Dylan Harper, Carter Bryant). Crucially, the Spurs possess all their future first and second-round picks, along with numerous additional picks and valuable pick swaps acquired from other teams through trades, providing immense flexibility. The acquisition of De`Aaron Fox provides a potential franchise point guard eligible for a long-term extension.

Negatives: Market size, spending concerns, legendary predecessor

As a smaller market, San Antonio can face challenges attracting top-tier free agents, though the organization`s excellent reputation helps mitigate this. Ownership`s historical reluctance to pay the luxury tax (only $5 million in the last 13 years) is a point to monitor, especially with large future contracts for Fox and Wembanyama looming, despite recent investments from deep-pocketed partners. The incoming coach also steps into the immense shadow of Gregg Popovich, who built a dynasty over 29 years with five championships.

Who Got the Job: Mitch Johnson

Mitch Johnson, who served as acting head coach when Popovich suffered a mild stroke, has now been permanently named to the role. Popovich increasingly entrusted Johnson with significant responsibilities in recent years. Johnson has reportedly developed a strong connection with Victor Wembanyama. He compiled a 31-45 record during his interim stint.

• 2024-25 Record: 48-34 (No. 8 in West)
• New Coach: Tuomas Iisalo (hired on May 2)
• Previous Coach: Taylor Jenkins (fired March 28; Iisalo took over on interim basis)
• Lead Executive: Zach Kleiman (hired in 2019)

Positives: A talented young core

With Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. entering their prime, Memphis possesses a star duo that provides a strong foundation for contention throughout the decade. Executive Zach Kleiman has demonstrated an ability to find valuable players in the second round and undrafted market, contributing to a deep and adaptable roster supporting the stars. One executive reportedly compared the team`s potential for improvement to the Cleveland Cavaliers` leap last season.

Negatives: Small market, recent organizational turmoil

Memphis is not a prime NBA market, and the organization has experienced considerable friction and uncertainty recently. Last summer, the majority of the coaching staff was dismissed, with Iisalo and Noah LaRoche among the replacements. Subsequently, not only was head coach Jenkins fired, but LaRoche, responsible for hiring player development coaches, was also let go. Beyond this, the team has dealt with numerous injuries and Ja Morant`s recurring off-court issues. The team`s success in navigating Morant`s absences was previously attributed to Jackson, Bane, depth, and Jenkins` coaching before his departure.

Who Got the Job: Tuomas Iisalo

Following the dismissal of Taylor Jenkins in late March, Tuomas Iisalo was widely expected to be a leading candidate for the job. The Grizzlies brought him over from Europe the previous offseason and placed him on Jenkins` staff. His performance during the final games of the season and the team`s first-round playoff appearance was reportedly sufficient. Iisalo makes history as the first Finnish-born head coach in the NBA.

• 2024-25 Record: 40-42 (No. 9 in West)
• New Coach: Doug Christie
• Previous Coach: Mike Brown (fired in December; assistant Doug Christie took over on interim basis)
• Lead Executive: Scott Perry (hired on April 17 after Monte McNair parted ways with the team)

Positives: Experienced, competitive roster

While winning a championship with the current roster might be ambitious, the presence of proven players like Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, and Malik Monk ensures the team can be competitive nightly. With these key players under contract for at least two more seasons, there`s a window for cohesion, adding to the job`s appeal for a new coach.

Negatives: Small market, long history of instability

The Kings franchise has a well-documented history of difficulty. Since relocating to Sacramento in 1984, only two coaches, Rick Adelman (eight straight winning seasons) and Mike Brown (two seasons), have led the team to a winning record over a full season. Playoff appearances outside of Adelman`s tenure have been rare, highlighting the inherent challenges. The front office has also seen recent changes, with Scott Perry replacing GM Monte McNair and Assistant GM Wes Wilcox also departing. Owner Vivek Ranadive`s historical avoidance of the luxury tax is another potential constraint.

Who Got the Job: Doug Christie

Doug Christie has deep roots with the Kings organization, having been a key starter on the successful teams of the early 2000s. He took over as interim coach when Mike Brown was fired in December. Under Christie, the Kings finished the season 27-24, demonstrating improved offensive efficiency (9th ranked) and a significantly better record in clutch situations (13-10 compared to 6-13 under Brown).