NBA Coach of the Year: 5 Early Frontrunners for the 2018-19 Season

#3 Quin Snyder

Utah Jazz v Oklahoma City Thunder

If last season was any indication, the Utah Jazz are well and truly back to being dark horse contenders in the Western Conference for years to come, having locked up a pick-and-roll combo like few others in the league (Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert). Mitchell, who's one of the fastest learning rookies I've ever seen in this league, should continue to improve and has a legitimate shot at averaging 23-25 points per game, while Gobert's DPOY-level defense isn't going away anytime soon.

With Gobert back from injury in the second half of last season, the Jazz rose from the dead, essentially, to compile a 47-35 record - they were 19-28 and contemplating entering the tank race at one point.

With all that being said, the reason why the Jazz are such a dangerous young team to be on the lookout for out West is the fact that they have one of the most tactically astute coaches in the league. Snyder finished third in the Coach of the Year race last season, and if Utah keep to the pace they were at the end of last season, they will be able to crack 50 wins by the end of March.

Thabo Sefolosha, one of the league's premier wing defenders, will be back from a season-ending injury he suffered in January. Ricky Rubio, who's gotten better every single season in the NBA, should be able to become a better jumpshooter. Grayson Allen was a wise addition to their wing lineup and should be able to provide the same qualities as Rodney Hood did for much of his time last season. The Jazz have brought their core back, and chemistry should be even better this time around.

Take note, NBA fans. Do take note.