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In this post, we will check out the top 10 greatest NBA coaches of all time.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has seen a plethora of great coaches over its many decades of existence.

These coaches have influenced the game in various ways, from implementing innovative strategies to shaping the careers of legendary players.

Many of them have achieved remarkable success, winning multiple championships and leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Ranking the greatest coaches of all time is a subjective exercise, as different coaches have achieved success under other circumstances.

However, there are a few coaches who have consistently been mentioned in any conversation about the best of the best. This list recognizes these coaches for their impact on the game and the success they have achieved throughout their careers.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the top 10 greatest NBA coaches of all time, whose contributions have not only earned them a place in the history books but have also shaped the NBA into the global powerhouse it is today.

Top 10 Greatest NBA Coaches of All Time

10. John Kundla

John Kundla is widely considered to be one of the greatest NBA coaches of all time. Born in Star Junction, Pennsylvania in 1916, Kundla began his basketball career as a player for the University of Minnesota, where he was a two-time All-Big Ten selection.

However, it was as a coach that Kundla made his mark on the game of basketball, leading the Minneapolis Lakers to five NBA championships in the 1940s and 1950s.

Kundla’s coaching style was characterized by his attention to detail, his ability to motivate his players, and his willingness to innovate. He was one of the first coaches to use game film to study his team’s performance, and he was also one of the first coaches to employ a full-court press defense.

Kundla’s teams were known for their unselfish play and their emphasis on teamwork, and he was often credited with helping to popularize the fast-break style of basketball that became a hallmark of the Lakers’ success.

Kundla’s success as a coach was not limited to his time with the Lakers. He also coached the University of Minnesota to a national championship in 1948, and he later served as the head coach of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Overall, John Kundla’s legacy as one of the greatest NBA coaches of all time is undeniable. His innovative coaching style, his ability to motivate his players, and his commitment to teamwork and unselfish play helped to revolutionize the game of basketball and set a standard for excellence that has continued to inspire coaches and players alike for generations.

9. Red Holzman

Red Holzman is widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA coaches of all time. He is best known for his successful tenure as head coach of the New York Knicks in the 1960s and 1970s, where he led the team to two NBA championships and five division titles.

Holzman’s teams were known for their exceptional teamwork, disciplined defense, and unselfish play, all of which were hallmarks of his coaching philosophy.

Holzman’s coaching career began in the mid-1950s when he joined the Rochester Royals as an assistant coach. He later moved on to the St. Louis Hawks, where he helped the team win an NBA championship in 1958.

In 1967, Holzman was named head coach of the New York Knicks, and he quickly transformed the struggling team into a contender. He introduced a disciplined defensive system that emphasized teamwork and unselfish play, and he also helped develop the team’s star player, Willis Reed.

Throughout his coaching career, Holzman was known for his ability to inspire his players and get the most out of their talents, and he was widely respected by his peers for his strategic acumen and his dedication to the game.

Holzman retired from coaching in 1982, but his impact on the NBA continues to be felt to this day. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986 and remains one of the most beloved figures in the history of the New York Knicks.

8. Rudy Tomjanovich

Rudy Tomjanovich is undoubtedly one of the greatest NBA coaches of all time. Born in 1948 in Hamtramck, Michigan, Tomjanovich was a successful basketball player in his own right, playing for the Houston Rockets and leading them to two NBA championships in 1994 and 1995 as a head coach.

Throughout his illustrious coaching career, he amassed a record of 527-416 and won an Olympic gold medal in 2000 with the United States men’s basketball team.

Tomjanovich’s coaching style was defined by his ability to connect with his players on a personal level and get the best out of them on the court.

He was known for his motivational speeches, which he used to inspire his players to achieve their full potential. He also had a reputation for being an excellent strategist and was adept at making in-game adjustments to counter the opposition’s tactics.

One of Tomjanovich’s greatest achievements was leading the Houston Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995. The Rockets were underdogs in both of those finals, but Tomjanovich’s strategic coaching and motivational speeches helped them to overcome the odds and emerge as champions.

Tomjanovich’s success was not limited to his time with the Rockets, however. He also had stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and the USA men’s basketball team.

With the Lakers, he took the team to the playoffs twice in three seasons, including a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2004.

In conclusion, Rudy Tomjanovich’s achievements as a coach speaks for themselves. His strategic coaching, motivational speeches, and ability to connect with his players helped him to achieve remarkable success throughout his career.

7. Chuck Daly

Chuck Daly is widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA coaches of all time. He had a remarkable career in the league, coaching for over a decade and leading his teams to several championships.

Daly is particularly well-known for his success with the Detroit Pistons during the late 1980s and early 1990s, where he won back-to-back titles in 1989 and 1990.

He also coached the 1992 United States men’s Olympic basketball team, known as the “Dream Team,” which went on to win a gold medal in Barcelona.

One of the reasons why Daly is considered one of the best coaches in NBA history is his ability to adapt his coaching style to fit his team’s strengths.

During his time with the Pistons, he developed a defensive-focused strategy that became known as the “Bad Boys” style of play.

This involved using physicality and toughness to disrupt opponents and limit their scoring opportunities. This strategy was particularly effective against the high-scoring offenses of the era, and it helped the Pistons dominate the league for several years.

Another key factor in Daly’s success was his ability to motivate and manage his players effectively. He was known for his excellent communication skills and his ability to build strong relationships with his players.

Overall, Chuck Daly’s impressive track record as an NBA coach speaks for itself. He won over 600 games during his career and led his teams to several championships.

6. Lenny Wilkens

Lenny Wilkens is undoubtedly one of the greatest coaches in NBA history. Born in 1937 in Brooklyn, New York, he played professionally for 15 seasons before transitioning to coaching in 1970.

Wilkens made a name for himself as a coach, leading multiple teams to the NBA playoffs and winning a championship with the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979.

He continued to coach for over 30 years, accumulating numerous accolades and establishing himself as a basketball legend.

Wilkens ranks among the top 10 coaches in NBA history based on his numerous accomplishments. He is the only coach in NBA history to have won over 1,000 games as both a player and coach.

He is also one of only three coaches to have won an NBA championship as both a player and coach, a feat he achieved with the SuperSonics.

Wilkens’ coaching style was characterized by his ability to adapt to his players and the changing nature of the game. He was known for his focus on player development and his ability to bring out the best in his players.

His coaching style, characterized by his emphasis on player development and team basketball, made him a legend in the sport. Additionally, his dedication to promoting diversity in the league is a testament to his character and legacy as a coach.

5. Larry Brown

Larry Brown is a legendary basketball coach who has had a significant impact on the NBA. He is widely regarded as one of the top 10 greatest NBA coaches of all time, and for good reason.

Brown’s coaching career spanned several decades, during which he established himself as a master of both the college and professional game.

His tireless work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to get the best out of his players have earned him a reputation as one of the most respected coaches in the sport.

One of Brown’s greatest achievements was leading the Detroit Pistons to the NBA championship in 2004. That team was a perfect example of Brown’s coaching philosophy, which emphasized team play and defense.

Brown’s ability to get his players to buy into his system was evident in the way they played together on the court.

Brown’s coaching career began in the college ranks, where he had a tremendous amount of success. He coached at several universities, including Kansas, where he won a national championship in 1988.

In addition to his success in the NBA and college ranks, Brown also coached the United States men’s basketball team to a bronze medal in the 2004 Olympic Games.

Brown’s dedication to the sport and his players have made him one of the most beloved coaches in basketball history.

4. Pat Riley

Pat Riley is a legendary figure in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and is widely considered one of the top 10 greatest NBA coaches of all time.

With a coaching career spanning over three decades, Riley achieved unparalleled success both on and off the court. He is a four-time NBA champion, three-time NBA Coach of the Year, and has been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach.

Riley’s coaching career began in 1981 with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he led the team to four NBA championships in the 1980s.

He then went on to coach the New York Knicks, where he transformed the team into a championship contender, leading them to the NBA Finals in 1994.

One of Riley’s greatest strengths as a coach was his ability to motivate and inspire his players. He was known for his tough, no-nonsense approach, demanding excellence and discipline from his teams.

His famous “winning culture” philosophy, which emphasized hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, became a hallmark of his coaching style and was instrumental in his success.

Riley’s impact on the game of basketball extends far beyond his coaching career. He is also credited with creating the “Showtime” Lakers, a team that revolutionized the way basketball was played in the 1980s with their fast-paced, high-scoring style.

In conclusion, Pat Riley is one of the most successful and influential coaches in NBA history. His relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with his ability to motivate and inspire his players, made him a true legend of the game.

3. Gregg Popovich

Gregg Popovich is undoubtedly one of the Top 10 Greatest NBA Coaches of All Time. He is known for his exceptional ability to lead and motivate his teams to success.

Popovich is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished coaches in NBA history, with five NBA championships and three Coach of the Year awards to his name.

Popovich’s greatest strength as a coach is his ability to build a winning culture within his team. He is known for his emphasis on teamwork and selflessness, which has led to a number of successful seasons for his teams.

Popovich is also known for his adaptability, often changing his coaching style to match the strengths of his players. He is a master of in-game adjustments, and his teams are known for their versatility and ability to play different styles of basketball.

He has a unique ability to identify the strengths of his players and develop them into key contributors on the court. As a result, many of his players have gone on to have successful careers both in and outside of basketball.

Overall, Gregg Popovich’s track record as a coach speaks for itself. His teams have consistently been among the best in the league, and his ability to build winning cultures and develop young talent is second to none.

2. Red Auerbach

Red Auerbach is widely considered one of the greatest coaches in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He coached the Boston Celtics for 16 seasons, during which he won a record nine NBA championships.

Auerbach’s teams were known for their toughness, physicality, and unselfishness, as well as their emphasis on team play and defense. He was a master of strategy and was known for his innovative use of the fast break and the full-court press.

Auerbach’s impact on the game of basketball extends far beyond his success on the court. He was a pioneer in the field of player personnel, and he was the first coach to draft African American players and sign an African American coach.

In recognition of his contributions to the game, Auerbach was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1969.

He remains one of the most respected and admired figures in the history of the NBA, and his legacy as a coach, innovator, and ambassador for the sport will continue to inspire generations of basketball fans and coaches for years to come.

1. Phil Jackson

Phil Jackson is widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA coaches of all time and for good reason. With an impressive coaching record that spans over two decades, Jackson has proven himself to be a master strategist, leader, and motivator.

His innovative coaching style, attention to detail, and ability to connect with players are just a few of the qualities that have made him one of the most successful coaches in the history of the league.

One of Jackson’s greatest strengths as a coach was his ability to create a winning team culture. He had a unique way of bringing players together and was known for his focus on team chemistry and player relationships.

Another key aspect of Jackson’s coaching success was his strategic approach to the game. He was known for his mastery of the triangle offense, a complex offensive system that required a high degree of player skill and intelligence.

Jackson was able to teach this system to his players, and his teams were able to execute it to perfection. This offensive approach, combined with a stifling defense, helped his teams dominate the league and win multiple championships.

In conclusion, Phil Jackson is without a doubt one of the greatest NBA coaches of all time. His innovative coaching style, focus on team culture, strategic approach to the game, and ability to connect with players set him apart from his peers.