NBA Coach of the Year 2025–26 Season: Latest Power Rankings Reshuffled As JB Bickerstaff’s Pistons Surge to Top of East Standings (Nov. 10)

The 2025-26 NBA season is already shaping up to be a memorable one, with storylines developing across the league. The young OKC Thunder and Detroit Pistons sit atop their respective conferences, while several teams that were once considered middle-tier or non-contenders have surged to the top of the standings.

So, how have this week’s results influenced the NBA Coach of the Year race? Here are the top five candidates.

NBA Coach of the Year Power Rankings

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#5. David Adelman (Last week’s ranking: Unranked)

We begin the list with a newcomer: Denver Nuggets coach David Adelman, who has guided his team to a 7-2 start.

With Nikola Jokic leading the way, Denver’s offense remains elite, ranking first in field goal attempts, assists and total points.

Jokic’s league-best averages of 11.9 assists and 13.0 rebounds per game drive that success, but Adelman deserves credit for his system — one that has allowed Jokic to play his fewest minutes per game in three seasons without sacrificing production.

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#4. Mitch Johnson (Last week’s ranking: #3)

Mitch Johnson drops one spot, not due to poor performance, but because the competition continues to tighten. The San Antonio Spurs hold the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference and are riding a two-game winning streak after defeating the Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans, rebounding from earlier losses to the Suns and Lakers.

San Antonio continues to be anchored by Victor Wembanyama, who’s averaging 24.3 points, 12.9 rebounds (including a league-high 11.3 defensive boards) and 3.8 blocks per game.

The Spurs rank fifth in net rating and sixth in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Despite injuries and a young roster, Johnson’s leadership has instilled surprising maturity in his team.

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#3. JJ Redick (Last week’s ranking: #5)

JJ Redick’s Los Angeles Lakers have shown remarkable resilience, posting a 7-3 record despite LeBron James yet to play and both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves missing games.

The Lakers lead the NBA in field goal percentage, rank No. 2 in true shooting percentage and are No. 3 in effective field goal percentage.

Deandre Ayton is enjoying a career resurgence, while Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart have thrived under Redick’s guidance, a clear testament to his coaching impact.

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#2. JB Bickerstaff (Last week’s ranking: Unranked)

The Detroit Pistons are riding a league-best six-game winning streak and stand atop the Eastern Conference with an 8-2 record. JB Bickerstaff deserves recognition for overseeing the team’s impressive rise following last season’s playoff run.

Detroit leads the league in both two-point attempts and makes, powered by Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren. Duren is averaging a career-best 19.2 points and 11.3 rebounds per game and is emerging as a strong Most Improved Player candidate.

With seven players scoring in double figures, Bickerstaff’s Pistons look balanced and dangerous in his second season.

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#1. Mark Daigneault (Last week’s ranking: #1)

Despite suffering their first loss, Mark Daigneault’s OKC Thunder remain the league’s best team at 10-1, boasting the top defensive and net ratings.

Even with Jalen Williams yet to make his season debut and Chet Holmgren missing games, Daigneault has kept his young squad focused, disciplined and dominant — securing his place at No. 1 in the Coach of the Year rankings for a second straight week.