Here are ESPN's picks. Interestingly, 15 different coaches got at least a vote--half the league's head coaches. Stotts was not one of them. I don't think Stotts will win COY. But it's kind of surprising that nobody is even considering him to at least be in the running at the beginning of the year. He's got a team with a ton of youngsters and no expectations. He's got vets just entering their prime in Batum and Matthews who may be in for breakout years. He's got a clear-cut contender for ROY in Lillard. He's running a completely different offense with the potential to really exploit some of LMA's skills in the open court. Most talking heads (aside from Simmons) have this team pegged between 31 and 36 wins. If there's one team in the league that could vastly surpass expectations, I look at the Blazers and think all the potential is right there. And coaches for those kinds of teams tend to be the ones people talk about for COY.
I think we will have to make the playoffs for him to be seriously considered. But it would mean nothing but great things for this team if he does.
Yes, around now is when people make COY predictions. It's not terribly helpful to make the prediction in May.
8th seed or better: DL wins ROY 6th seed or better: Stotts under serious consideration for COY 4th seed or better: Stotts wins COY i.e. I don't think Stotts will win COY.
