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It seems like every passing NBA season in the past half-decade brings an absurd amount of change. Whether it's stars being traded or moving via free agency, head coaches being replaced, or front office executives alternating, the NBA is in constant motion.
The 2021-22 NBA offseason was no different, specifically in the coaching department. The Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Pelicans, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, and Washington Wizards all replaced their former head coaches with new names.
Boston, Dallas and the Minnesota Timberwolves have all moved on from their head front office executives, which should alter their franchise decision-making and potential evaluation of assets.
Three moves that could have a significant impact on their teams heading into the 2021-22 NBA season.
#3 Chauncey Billups
The Portland Trail Blazers felt that change was needed after another unsuccessful postseason, and that came in the form of a coaching swap. Terry Stotts was often labeled as one of the best coaches in the NBA, although he was never placed in the elite tier by many.
Stotts regularly led the Trail Blazers, along with Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, to the top five offense throughout his tenure. On the other hand, they were almost always on the opposite end of the spectrum defensively.
This could have been a product of the roster in place, something that Portland's President of Basketball Operations has been publicly criticized for often. Their defensive talent has been subpar and the pendulum seems to swing too far in favor of offensive abilities.
It is unknown what Chauncey will implement in his first NBA head coaching opportunity, but the Portland Trail Blazers won't be the same type of team we have seen for years now - which hasn't been enough. Time will tell if that is for the better, as Terry Stotts proved to be at least above average throughout his tenure.
#2 Jason Kidd
With whispers of internal turmoil between Rick Carlisle and NBA superstar Luka Doncic, the writing was on the wall for a departure this offseason. The true shock came when Jason Kidd was elected as his replacement.
Kidd's first coaching opportunity came with the Brooklyn Nets in 2013-14, when the team went 44-38. After some turmoil revolving around Kidd getting through to the then veteran roster, which included Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, Kidd was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.
During his subsequent three seasons with the Bucks, the team posted a positive record on one occasion. He coached just 45 games in 2017-18 for Milwaukee and posted a win percentage of 51 percent.
Mike Budenholzer would fill his vacancy next season and secure a 60-22 record, good for a win percentage of 73.2 percent. Giannis Antetokounmpo was also awarded the Most Valuable Player of the season. Giannis was vocal about his disagreements when moving on from Kidd, but players liking a coach isn't enough.
Kidd spent one season without an NBA coaching job before being brought on as an assistant for the Los Angeles Lakers. He has shown no indication of being a good NBA coach, but we will see how he pans out with the Dallas Mavericks.
#1 Rick Carlisle
Rick Carlisle resigned from his position as head coach of the Dallas Mavericks after carrying the title for thirteen seasons. That type of longevity is hard to find in modern times, and Carlisle remained in charge because of his results that included an NBA Championship in 2011.
When Carlisle supposedly grew uneasy with his position in Dallas, it was expected that he would quickly land another opportunity if he wanted it. He has thirty years of prior coaching experience, with the first eleven as an assistant, including three years with the Indiana Pacers as an assistant and four as the head coach. That was nearly a decade ago now, but Carlisle has adapted to the modern game.
Indiana likely regretted moving on from Nate McMillian in favor of greener pastures in the form of Nate Bjorkgren as that decision proved costly. It's easy to label the transition to Rick Carlisle as a clear upgrade for a team that has complicated roster construction and lacks identity.
It's rare to see this dramatic of a coaching change, but Rick Carlisle's veteran experience and proven value could be just the change the Indiana Pacers needed.
