The Valley of the Suns team has come together to give their predictions on the 2016-17 NBA season awards.<..."/> The Valley of the Suns team has come together to give their predictions on the 2016-17 NBA season awards.<..."/>
Valley of the Suns
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Valley of the Suns Season Awards

By Lucas McLean

Mar 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts in the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts in the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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   2nd Place

   Erik Spoelstra (49)

Miami Heat: 41-41

Eric Spoelstra orchestrated the greatest underdog comeback story since the 2013-14 Phoenix Suns. Although the Heat did not end with the same miraculous 48-34 record that Phoenix had their turnaround is comparably impressive. Starting the season 11-30, Miami flipped a switch and went on a 13-game winning streak. In the process, the Heat, led by Dion Waiters and Goran Dragic, stunned the world with upsets against the Warriors and Rockets.

This season was the ultimate test for Spoelstra. For the first time in his entire career he would coach a team without a superstar. There is no Dwyane Wade, no Chris Bosh, and no LeBron James. Miami is in complete reboot mode. The young core of Hassan Whiteside, Josh Richardson, Tyler Johnson, and Justice Winslow is a good starting place, even though this team was originally designed to fail. Instead of falling into the lottery abyss the Heat have rallied and produced an impressive playoff push.

Miami unfortunately did not make playoffs but the unimaginable 30-11 comeback has solidified Spoelstra’s legitimacy as an elite Head Coach in the league. The rise from video coordinator to top-10 coach in the NBA is truly a remarkable feat.

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