George Karl wins Coach of the Year

[benji]

He received 62 first-place votes, followed by Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat with 24 votes from a panel of sports writers and broadcasters. New York's Mike Woodson finished third and San Antonio's Gregg Popovich, who won the award last season, was fourth.

Most seasons coached (25) before winning the award.

Erik Spoelstra on COY: "Congratulations to George Karl, but I know he didn't want it either. No disrespect."
Spoelstra: "I'm probably more pleased this morning than George Karl. It's not quite as definitive as the SI jinx, but it's pretty close."

[Mandich]

Can't wait till self pronounced Coach Vino says he is a better coach than Karl.

[NovU]

That's great. Spo also got the recognition as well. Works for me.

[Andrew]

I figured Mark Jackson would be winning it, he certainly had as good a case as anyone else. I'm surprised that he didn't at least finish in the top three in the voting.

That said, George Karl isn't undeserving of the award. Certainly a long time coming for him.

[Leftos]

And with that, George Karl received the boot from the Nuggets organization, to the surprise of everyone.

[Sauru]

a drunken blind sheep could coach the heat

[BrotherJRB]

And with that, George Karl received the boot from the Nuggets organization, to the surprise of everyone.

To the surprise of no one. If you win coach of the year you are cursed!

[shadowgrin]

so no hope for javale mggee then.

[bowdown]

That was enough playoff failures. They needed to change some damn thing. They had a stacked team and even though they played great in the regular season, again like always dropped a turd in the postseason. Time for a change.

[Andrew]

I still feel Karl is a little underrated as a coach but I guess it was one first round exit too many, even after a 57 win season. Things might've been a little different had Gallo not torn his ACL and Faried not been hobbled just before the Playoffs began, though.

[_Steve_]

I'm sure he'll find a new job rather sooner than later.
But like Andrew hinted, those first round exits are not making him a top choice for a contender.

In NBA history, 41 teams have won at least 31 of their final 40 games in an 82-game season. Only six went on to lose in their first playoff series -- and three were coached by George Karl.

Same counts for his 80-105 playoff record.

[benji]

Let's not forget the GM just changed.