Do you think Tom Thibodeau belongs up in this tier instead?
9. Frank Vogel (Lakers): 53.9 % career winning percentage; 7/10 playoff appearances; three conference finals appearances; one NBA Finals appearance; one NBA Title
8. Rick Carlisle (Pacers): 54.8% career winning percentage; 14/19 playoff appearances; three conference finals appearances; one NBA Finals appearance; one NBA Title
7. Tyronn Lue (Clippers): 61.8% career winning percentage; 4/5 playoff appearances; three conference finals appearances; three NBA Finals appearances; one NBA Title
6. Erik Spoelstra (Heat): 58.9% career winning percentage; 10/13 playoff appearances; five conference finals appearances; five NBA Finals appearances; two NBA Titles
This tier could also be called The “Thank God for LeBron James” Tier since Lue, Spoelstra, and Vogel all won their rings while coaching LeBron James. For that matter, Carlisle can probably thank LeBron too.
Still, I almost moved Carlisle to the top because of how much I love that Mavericks title team he led.
Lue tops him with a better career-winning percentage and a better playoff appearance ratio.
Spoelstra’s trip to the NBA Finals in the bubble and his sustained success got him to the top of this tier.