u/LazyConstruction9026

I’m of the opinion Denver needs a new coach, with a focus on:
(1) Motivation / leadership - the team lacks spark and emotion and doesn’t have a floor leader who brings it.
(2) Defense - any team with Jokic will have offense (regardless of who the supporting cast will be) but needs defensive schemes and toughness
(3) Better offensive creativity to accompany Jokic’s on floor talent and keep opposing defenses off balance.

Obviously I’d prefer some changes to supporting cast on the floor as well but just focusing on coaching here. Adelman doesn’t seem to have it. No emotional leadership. Seems to lack toughness. New coach with no playoff success track record. And his play calling while not abysmal seems to breakdown versus better coaches. Given Jokic has maybe 2-4 years of performance left at or near his current level we need a “win now” coach specifically geared for playoff success.

Obviously there are a lot of unrealistic coaching options (eg, Spoelstra, Mazzula) so focus being on (1) good coaches on bad teams, (2) those not currently coaching (eg, commentators, former players), or (3) great, tough college coaches ready to make the leap.

Genuinely interested in everyone’s thoughts either on the above criteria or specific candidates. A few potential options. All have flaws but would seem to be an upgrade:

1. Tom Thibodeau
Current status: Veteran NBA coach; historically elite defensive coach
Why he fits Denver:
Instantly raises defensive floor and accountability
Elite at playoff preparation and game-planning
Players consistently compete hard for him
Jokić is smart enough to thrive in a structured system

2. Jay Wright
Current status: retired coach, villanova
Why he fits:
Two national titles
Elite culture builder
Calm but demanding leadership style
Outstanding late-game and tournament coach
Players universally love and respect him

3. Rick Pitino
Current status: Coach St John’s
Why he fits:
Ruthless competitor
Elite motivator
Defensive intensity
Tremendous postseason résumé
Would create urgency immediately

4. Will Hardy
Current status: Coach Jazz
Why he fits:
Widely respected tactician
Excellent player development reputation
Smart defensive schemes despite weak roster
Former Boston Celtics assistant from strong playoff cultures

5. Ime Udoku
Current status: Coach Rockets
Why he fits perfectly stylistically:
Defensive identity
Toughness
Accountability
Immediate credibility
He took the Celtics to the Finals and changed Houston’s culture almost instantly.

This one is a little bit of a long shot, but depending on Houston’s rebuild plan he might be convinced there’s a once in a lifetime opportunity with Jokic to hop teams for. Not sure what this would require in terms of his current contract

6. Dan Hurley
Current status: Coach, UConn
Why he fits:
Psychotically competitive
Elite culture and accountability
Exceptional tournament coach
Demands toughness every possession

Again, not sure how his style translates to NBA and long history of psychotically aggressive college coaches having a tough fit with NBA players but would certainly shake things up.

There are no wrong suggestions here except Doc Rivers. I’m admittedly an amateur so my suggestions may suck to, but if you say doc rivers you should be permanently banned.

Genuinely interested in peoeple’s thoughts.