Almost a year ago, NBA teams filled seven of the eight head coaching vacancies with Black coaches.
The Hawks officially named Nate McMillan their head coach after his amazing run in the playoffs. The Mavericks and Blazers hired former points guards Jason Kidd and Chancey Billups, respectively. The Celtics hired Ime Udoka, the Magic went with Jamahl Mosley, the Pelicans signed Willie Green and the Wizards brought back Wes Unseld Jr., this time as their head coach.
It was another defining moment for a league, and sport, that fearlessly leads in the fight for diversity, social justice, and civil and equal rights.
And those coaches have, most importantly and impressively, generally rewarded their teams with success.
Udoka and Kidd have produced the most immediate success. Their teams are in the Conference Finals after soundly thrashing their opponents in their respective Game 7s on Sunday.
McMillan and Green also led their teams to the Playoffs, both winning their play-in games to advance to the postseason.
In the 2021-22 season, there were 14 Black head coaches in the NBA. It was the highest number since the 2012-13 season, which also had 14.
In addition to the aforementioned seven, this season also featured Monty Williams (Suns), Doc Rivers (76ers), Tyronn Lue (Clippers), J.B. Bickerstaff (Cavaliers), Dwane Casey (Pistons), Alvin Gentry (Kings) and Stephen Silas (Rockets).
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