When deciding who should be the NBA Coach of the Year, one ought to look at one thing and one thing only, the team’s WIN TOTAL. Considerations must be made as to whether the team has improved (Hornets), gone without any key players (Rockets), or simply won a boatload of basketball games (Celtics). The brains behind the operation in Boston, Doc Rivers, has done a phenomenal job of keeping all the egos in check and running a player-satisfying yet win-producing offense.

Perhaps his most valuable contribution to the Celtics, however, is the airtight defensive philosophy that he has imparted to his players. Rivers even turned Ray Allen, a marksman from three-point territory that never really liked to play defense, into a topnotch defensive player in one season with the Celtics. How great it would be to see Doc Rivers win the Coach of the Year Award for the 2007-2008 Season, especially after the frustration and ridiculous challenge of coaching such a terrible team last year.

1. DOC RIVERS (Boston Celtics) --

Wins: 66

Losses: 16