From the favorites for Coach of the Year to the league’s most watchable teams, we have covered many of the positive angles ahead of the new hoops season. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows in the NBA, though, with several coaches feeling their seats get warm as opening night approaches.
Pressure can come in many different forms. For some, it’s the build-up of underachievement, while others are dealing with ambitious owners, and/or expectant fanbases.
Nick Nurse (Sixers)
There was nothing Nick Nurse could do last season. Joel Embiid and Paul George barely played. Jared McCain, the lone bright spot, even suffered a season-ending injury in the first half of the year.
Still, the Sixers have no margin for error. The window, if it isn’t already closed, is probably only this year. Letting Quentin Grimes take the qualifying offer is a further sign Philly is focused on the next few months and didn’t want to commit a long-term deal to Grimes given the tax implications.
The Sixers could be in the mix for the Finals next spring. Just as easily, they could be looking at how to rebuild by the trade deadline if they decide it’s time to pull the plug on the Embiid and George core. As a result, Nurse’s job security is quite uncertain.
Willie Green (Pelicans)
New Orleans’ absurd trade to acquire Derik Queen piled the pressure on Willie Green. The Pels included their 2026 first-round pick in the deal, suggesting they are expecting to be a playoff team in 2025-26.
It’s a far-fetched projection. New Orleans won 21 games last season. Even with better injury luck, making the playoffs in this Western Conference is a huge ask. A slow start to the season could spell the end of Green’s New Orleans tenure, with the front office needing a scapegoat for their calamitous decision to trade a first rounder.
The 49-win season two years ago was a sign Green can navigate this team to something close to contention. A reliance on Zion Williamson isn’t a good place to be in, though, even with Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Jordan Poole in support.
Kenny Atkinson (Cavs)
Is it harsh to say Kenny Atkinson’s seat is warming up? Yes, probably. But expectations are very high in Cleveland, and another playoff disappointment may result in a change at the head coaching spot.
Atkinson will get another shot at the postseason unless things go horribly wrong in the regular season. Anything less than a Conference Finals appearance would probably lead to the former Nets coach losing his job.
The manner of the playoff exit could prove decisive for Atkinson. This team projects to be in the top two in the East, and failing to take advantage of a down year for the Pacers and Celtics would be painful for the Cavs, and for Atkinson’s future as head coach.
Darko Rajaković (Raptors)
Toronto is healthy. Expectations have changed for Darko Rajaković, after winning 55 games across his first two seasons as head coach. The focus is shifting from player development (veterans were rested down the stretch last season) to trying to “win for all” (a phrase used by Rajaković on media day).
There were no major changes to the roster or coaching staff, removing a potential excuse if the Raps disappoint. Armed with Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, and Immanuel Quickley, Toronto is planning to be firmly in the playoff picture.
It’s not just players who are under pressure entering the new season. Rajaković’s position will be questioned if the Raptors are a significant distance away from the .500 mark when Christmas nears.
Doug Christie (Kings)
Doug Christie won more games than he lost last season. His place on this list isn’t so much about his coaching ability; rather it’s a reflection of the gap between the ambitions of the Kings and the overall quality of their roster.
Sacramento is a fringe play-in team in a stacked Western Conference. Christie has his work cut out to craft a functional two-way team around DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis.
It’s an offense-first roster without a pure point guard. The defense, barring a minor miracle, will be among the worst in the Association. Christie should be given the season, but if the Kings are on course to miss the playoffs, don’t be surprised if Sacramento looks elsewhere.
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