The All-Star Game is right around the corner for the NBA, which is usually a time for coaches and players to relax and refresh before they push into the final leg of the season.
Although some coaches will not be relaxing in the weeks ahead – instead they’ll be nervously checking their phones and biting their nails.
That’s because the All-Star break is an ideal time for teams to shake things up and make some major changes – including getting rid of the coaching staff.
There are multiple teams throughout the NBA who are struggling so these firings could come from seemingly anywhere.
However, here are some of the coaches who are definitely most at risk of getting the ax before the month is done.
3. Frank Vogel, Los Angeles Lakers
You shouldn’t be shocked to see Frank Vogel on this list.
Ever since the Los Angeles Lakers started struggling, Vogel’s name has been rumored to be on the hot seat.
Frank Vogel's job is in serious jeopardy, per @TheAthletic
“Vogel is being evaluated on a game-to-game basis and remains at risk of being fired soon if the progress doesn’t continue” pic.twitter.com/J0oxcCpgZ9
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) January 18, 2022
But if the Lakers’ front office is going to make some changes to the team, they need to do it soon.
You can’t blame Vogel for all of the Lakers’ problems but you can’t deny that he’s not making them a whole lot better.
Firing Vogel wouldn’t immediately turn around the fate of LA but you shouldn’t be surprised if he’s sent packing in the next few weeks.
2. Nate McMillan, Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are starting to look like themselves again and head coach Nate McMillan is surely breathing a sigh of relief.
Last year, the Hawks were one of the most exciting teams in the league and made a very good postseason run.
This year, not so much.
It’s odd to see the Hawks have such a hard time because very little inside the team has changed.
That’s why it wouldn’t be too shocking to see McMillan fired.
If Atlanta was still struggling like they were a few weeks ago, McMillan’s resignation would be a foregone conclusion.
However, since they’re seemingly getting it together McMillan might be safe…for now.
If you see the team begin to stumble again, get your resume in order because the Hawks might soon have an open coaching position.
1. Tom Thibodeau, New York Knicks
Tom Thibodeau is one of the best NBA coaches around.
For some reason, his New York Knicks are a complete mess.
No one could have seen it coming: entering this season, they had some of the most exciting talent in the league.
The team was centered around Julius Randle, who has really fallen off and isn’t performing like he was last year when he won Most Improved Player.
As Randle collapsed, the Knicks did as well.
Who is the next NBA head coach to be fired?
For me, it's Tom Thibodeau#NBATwitter pic.twitter.com/PvcK4IXTfU
— 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣’ 𝙉𝘽𝘼 🗣️ (@_Talkin_NBA) February 3, 2022
Thibodeau has looked somewhat clueless as his players have struggled: he changed up the lineup repeatedly but has also made some bizarre choices and has seemed in a near panic at times.
The Knicks need a steady hand and, currently, Thibodeau doesn’t have one.
That’s why he could be cut from the team at any moment.
The Knicks had high hopes for this year and those hopes are definitely dashed right now.
Therefore, it might be the end of the road soon for Thibodeau.
NEXT: 3 NBA Western Conference All-Star Snubs