Mike D’Antoni won his second NBA Coach of the Year award in 2017.
D’Antoni first won the award in 2005 after leading the Phoenix Suns to one of the NBA’s most influential high-tempo offenses. His teams emphasized rapid attacks, spacing, three-point shooting, and quick ball movement, ideas that became increasingly common across the league.
His second award came in 2017 with the Houston Rockets. That team posted one of the NBA’s strongest regular seasons and became known for an analytically influenced offense built around pace, efficient shots, and the playmaking of James Harden.
The year can be confused with his first award, which came in 2005. D’Antoni’s two Coach of the Year honors therefore span two different eras and two different teams, illustrating the longevity of his tactical influence.