NBA Coach of the Year (COY) rankings 2024-25: New names in Top 5 after Week 2 ft. Steve Kerr

Two weeks into the 2024-25 NBA season, the league landscape is beginning to take shape. The Cleveland Cavaliers and the OKC Thunder remain the only undefeated teams, and as the standings race intensifies, so does the competition for the Coach of the Year award.

Last week, the LA Lakers’ J.J. Redick held the top spot, but after a 1-2 record in Week 2, he’s dropped off the list entirely as other coaches showcased their leadership skills.

Here are the top five Coach of the Year contenders after Week 2.

Top five NBA Coach of the Year candidates after Week 2

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#5 Mike Budenholzer (Last week’s ranking: Unranked)

Mike Budenholzer - Source: Imagn

The Phoenix Suns are on a four-game winning streak, climbing to the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference, just behind the undefeated OKC Thunder.

Under new coach Mike Budenholzer, the Suns’ defense has been the standout factor, despite initial expectations for offensive improvement. They rank sixth in defensive rating (107.9), second in blocks per game (6.7) and second in defensive rebounds per game (37.5).

Budenholzer’s impact is clear, even as the offense continues to find its rhythm.

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#4 Joe Mazzulla (Last week’s ranking: #4)

Joe Mazzulla - Source: Imagn

Joe Mazzulla holds the fourth position even as his Boston Celtics took their first loss in Week 2 against the Indiana Pacers. Despite the setback, they bounced back with dominant double-digit victories.

The Celtics’ offensive rating remains the best in the league (122.5). They’re excelling from beyond the arc, with 55.1% of their shots coming from 3-point range, hitting them at a 38.1% clip, a top-10 percentage league-wide.

Although Jaylen Brown has been dealing with injuries and Kristaps Porzingis is still out, the team maintains its championship-caliber form.

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#3 Steve Kerr (Last week’s ranking: Unranked)

Steve Kerr - Source: Imagn

If someone claimed the Golden State Warriors, after losing Klay Thompson and Chris Paul in the offseason, would still be strong contenders in the Western Conference, you’d likely assume that it’s due to an exceptional offense or Steph Curry’s leadership.

However, it’s worth emphasizing: Curry didn’t even play in Week 2, yet they still rank in the top five for both offensive and defensive ratings and hold the league’s highest net rating (17.6)!

With Curry sidelined, Steve Kerr has worked wonders with Brandin Podziemski and Buddy Hield, who lead the league in plus-minus and lead the Warriors in scoring, respectively. Golden State has the third-best record in the West (5-1) after Week 2.

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#2 Mark Daigneault (Last week’s ranking: #2)

Mark Daigneault - Source: Imagn

Mark Daigneault has guided the OKC Thunder to a historic 6-0 start — their best-ever start to a season. Despite this, their offense hasn’t fully come together yet. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t putting up 30 points per game as consistently as last season. Jalen Williams is yet to solidify his role as the second option, and Isaiah Hartenstein has yet to play a game.

Nevertheless, the Thunder have thrived with their small-ball lineups, and their versatile wing players, including the addition Alex Caruso, have created major matchup problems for opponents.

So far, only two players — Trae Young and Norman Powell — have managed over 20 points in a game against them, and all of OKC's wins have been by double digits. They boast a league-best defensive rating of 95.1 through Week 2.

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#1 Kenny Atkinson (Last week’s ranking: #3)

Kenny Atkinson - Source: Imagn

Let’s give it up for Kenny Atkinson! He’s led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a perfect 7-0 start, just a win short of the best season opening in franchise history. The Cavs’ offensive rating trails only the Celtics, and even with Max Strus sidelined, their offense has been smooth and efficient.

They lead the league in field goal percentage (52.6%) and are second in 3-point accuracy (40.6%). They’ve been the closest to flawless so far, and since this award typically honors coaches who elevate their teams, Kenny Atkinson is the standout candidate for Coach of the Year as of Week 2.