Sports Illustrated ’s NBA 100 ranking is back ahead of the 2025–26 season. Along with the top 100 NBA players, we also ranked the top five coaches below.

FULL RANKINGS: Nos. 100–51 , Nos. 50–11 and Nos. 10-1 . Top Five Rookies and Coaches .

1. Rick Carlisle, Pacers

In 2011, he guided the Mavericks to a title behind Dirk Nowitzki’s half-court game. Last season Indiana and its free-flowing offense came within one win of a second championship for Carlisle. That’s adaptability.

2. Erik Spoelstra, Heat

Spo’s Heat have had top 10 defenses in 13 of his 17 seasons—and in two others they finished 11th. He is widely admired for his creativity and play-calling in big moments. No coach squeezes more out of less.

3. Mark Daigneault, Thunder

Daigneault has two coveted skills: p

See Full Page