Feb 18, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Brian Shaw talks with guard Evan Fournier (left) and forward Jordan Hamilton (1) during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
17. Atlanta Hawks (25-26)
They’ve 110 percent bought into Mike Budenholzer’s system and, given a stronger set of players and better injury luck, he could’ve pushed his name into the Coach of the Year candidate pool. Great to see Paul Millsap enjoying his All-Star appearance. Don’t put much stock into the Jeff Teague trade gossip either.
18. Denver Nuggets (24-27)
Where did the recovery end and the slide recommence? Did the recovery ever really start? Losing Nate Robinson for the season denies the team a key spark plug to reignite a stagnating offense on a stagnating team.