Top 5 most desirable head coaching vacancies in the NBA right now

#3 New Orleans Pelicans

Golden State Warriors v New Orleans Pelicans

It has been a tumultuous season for the New Orleans Pelicans and one that thoroughly disappointed their fanbase. Heading into the campaign, Stan Van Gundy's side were expected to make the playoffs with Zion Williamson looking to take his talent to the main stage. However, it was not to be and the Pels struggled for consistency all year, ending on a 31-41 record.

With Van Gundy out of the way, a new head coach could see the Pelicans as a project worth taking up. Zion Williamson is destined to be one of the faces of the NBA. The Pels front office will want to make sure they bring in the appropriate coach to help him make that next step and, more importantly, keep him happy.

Pelicans assistant coach Teresa Weatherspoon is expected to emerge as a candidate to replace Stan Van Gundy in New Orleans, league sources say.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 16, 2021

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#2 Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics v Brooklyn Nets - Game Five

There was widespread surprise around the NBA when it was announced at the beginning of June that Boston Celtics legend Danny Ainge would be leaving the franchise. The former president paved the way for head coach Brad Stevens to move upstairs with his role now up for grabs.

There is no doubting the Boston Celtics are a high-profile organization with high expectations. They struggled for form this season and were easily beaten by the Brooklyn Nets in the playoffs, though did have to endure that series without star guard Jaylen Brown.

Any incoming coach would be excited to work with the likes of Jayson Tatum and Brown as the cornerstones of a strong team worth challenging in the postseason. However, the franchise has a long offseason ahead with several questions needing to be answered.

The team desperately needs a replacement in the paint and need additional wing scoring. Therefore, the new appointment may have to settle with the fact that success may not be instantaneous and that they will have a difficult budget to work with to bring in new talent.

#1 Portland Trail Blazers

Denver Nuggets v Portland Trail Blazers - Game Six

Possibly the most desirable head coaching vacancy in the NBA currently is the Portland Trail Blazers job. Terry Stotts spent nine years with the franchise and took them to the playoffs for eight seasons in a row. However, four first-round playoff exits have evidently frustrated the organization's superior figures. They may want to put renewed trust in Damian Lillard that they are fighting for a title to make him stay.

The Trail Blazers have the best regular-season record of any team on this list. They come with a ready-made superstar in Lillard and several exciting offensive weapons alongside him. Him and CJ McCollum have formed a formidable backcourt partnership over their years together, while Norman Powell has impressed since arriving from Toronto.

At the time of writing, there are several candidates for the role, including ex-Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni, as well as the LA Clippers' Chauncy Billups and Spurs' assistant coach Becky Hammon.