The National Basketball Association (NBA) has seen some of the greatest coaches in the history of sports. These legendary coaches have led their teams to multiple championships, coached some of the biggest names in basketball, and are revered for their contributions to the sport. However, not every coach in NBA history has enjoyed the same level of success. Some coaches have struggled to win games and build a winning culture for their teams. This list highlights the 10 least successful NBA coaches in terms of their career win percentages. While they may not have had the same level of success as their peers, their contributions to the sport of basketball and their perseverance in a challenging profession deserve recognition.
It is important to note that win percentage alone may not accurately reflect a coach’s overall success or failure. Other factors, such as the team’s talent level, injuries, and organizational support, can also impact a coach’s record.
Here are the 10 NBA coaches with the lowest career win percentages:
- Sidney Lowe – .257 (79-228) Sidney Lowe was the head coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves from 1992-1994, the Vancouver/Memphis Grizzlies from 2000-2002, and the NC State Wolfpack from 2006-2011. He finished his NBA coaching career with a record of 79-228.
- Kim Hughes – .279 (41-103) Kim Hughes was the head coach for the Los Angeles Clippers from 2009-2010. He finished his NBA coaching career with a record of 41-103.
- Dave Cowens – .287 (161-287) Dave Cowens was the head coach for the Charlotte Hornets from 1996-1999 and the Golden State Warriors from 2000-2001. He finished his NBA coaching career with a record of 161-287.
- Bill Hanzlik – .293 (27-66) Bill Hanzlik was the head coach for the Denver Nuggets from 1997-1998. He finished his NBA coaching career with a record of 27-66.
- Kaleb Canales – .293 (8-19) Kaleb Canales was the interim head coach for the Portland Trail Blazers in 2012. He finished his NBA coaching career with a record of 8-19.
- John Wetzel – .303 (30-69) John Wetzel was the head coach for the Dallas Mavericks from 1992-1994. He finished his NBA coaching career with a record of 30-69.
- Jerry Tarkanian – .312 (9-20) Jerry Tarkanian was the head coach for the San Antonio Spurs in 1992. He finished his NBA coaching career with a record of 9-20.
- Bob Hill – .377 (310-516) Bob Hill was the head coach for the New York Knicks, the Indiana Pacers, the San Antonio Spurs, the Seattle SuperSonics, and the Seattle/Oklahoma City Thunder. He finished his NBA coaching career with a record of 310-516.
- Gar Heard – .382 (99-158) Gar Heard was the head coach for the Dallas Mavericks, the Washington Wizards, and the Phoenix Suns. He finished his NBA coaching career with a record of 99-158.
- Mike Dunleavy Sr. – .422 (613-711) Mike Dunleavy Sr. was the head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, the Milwaukee Bucks, the Portland Trail Blazers, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the New Orleans Pelicans. He finished his NBA coaching career with a record of 613-711.
In conclusion, while these coaches may have struggled to achieve success in their NBA coaching careers, it is important to recognize that coaching is a challenging and demanding profession. Many factors, both within and outside a coach’s control, can impact their record and overall success. Nonetheless, the coaches on this list finished their NBA careers with the lowest win percentages, which is a reflection of the challenges they faced in the highly competitive NBA.
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