There is no question that Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer has stepped out of the shadows of his former mentor Greg Popovich.  Budenholzer led the Atlanta Hawks to an Eastern Conference-best 60-22 record this season. 

That stunning regular season led him to winning the Red Auerbach Trophy as the NBA Coach of the Year on Tuesday, beating out the Golden State Warriors’ Steve Kerr.  Budenholzer received 67 first-place votes and beat Kerr 513-471 in total points. 

The award is named after the legendary Boston Celtics head coach who won nine NBA Championships.  130 sportswriters and broadcasters who cover the league vote it on. 

The Hawks made a 22-win improvement this year from Budenholzer’s first season. He coached the East All-Stars and won two NBA Coach of the Month Awards.  

Budenholzer spent his initial two seasons under Popovich in San Antonio as a video coordinator before being promoted to assistant coach.  During his 18-year run on the staff, the Spurs won four NBA Championships.

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Mike Budenholzer NBA Coach of the Year Acceptance Speech: