The NBA has released a shortlist of finalists for the 2016-17 NBA awards revealing three nominees for the six major awards handed out after the conclusion of the regular season. Erik Spoelstra was named along with Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs and Mike D’Antoni of the Houston Rockets as finalists for the NBA Coach of the Year award.
Hassan Whiteside did not make the cut for Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year, with Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz), Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors), and Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio Spurs) named.