Lake Show Life: NBA Awards

Coach of the Year: George Karl (4 votes)

Other coaches receiving votes: Mike Woodson (1)

— See description of each vote below —

November 9, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl (left) talks with guard Ty Lawson (3) during the first half against the Utah Jazz at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Fern Rea: George Karl

The Denver Nuggets have a lot talent on their roster, probably the deepest talent in the league. What the Nuggets lack is that superstar talent that they can count on to provide scoring game in and game out. However, despite their lack of stars, they’ve compiled the NBA’s fourth best record and are in serious contention to represent the Western Conference in the Finals. Karl deserves the recognition for meshing so many players talents and having them work together to form a formidable NBA championship contender, despite lacking the presence of a star player.

Caleb Cottrell: George Karl

The Nuggets have always been an afterthought because they don’t have a “star player”. Yet this season Karl has coached the Nuggets to the three seed in the West. That in itself is no small feat, but without a Carmelo Anthony or Russell Westbrook, it’s even more impressive. The Nuggets have suffered some devastating injuries. Ty Lawson was out for a short period of time and they lost Danilo Gallinari to a season-ending torn ACL. However coach Karl has helped the team overcome these injuries to beat out the the Clippers and the Grizzlies for the the third seed.

Skyler Gilbert: Mike Woodson

It’s not easy being the Knicks coach. Ask Mike D’Antoni or Isiah Thomas. And this season was no different. Nobody expected the Knicks to win the Atlantic division. That’s not a stretch either. Nobody saw this coming. And they’ve taken that division with ease! The Knicks started red-hot, then took a turn for the worse and started to slide. When the Knicks were in turmoil, critics said that they depended too much on the three or that they’re aging veterans would not last through the whole season. The Knicks proved them wrong, ending the seasons just as strongly as they started it.

Chris Shellcroft: George Karl

In case you’re not paying attention we’re looking at a Hall of Fame coach. Truthfully this award is overdue. In the lockout shortened season Karl coached a roster Kurt Rambis would have in the lottery to the playoffs and pushed the Lakers to seven games as a heavy underdog. He’s squeezed every ounce of talent out of JaVale McGee too. That deserves recognition.

Daniel Nicks: George Karl

Karl’s team is top three in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals per game
without an all-star. They set a franchise record for wins (57) and consecutive wins (15), own the best home record in the league and secured the third seed in a brutal Western Conference.

–Continue for Rookie of the Year–