How he got here: Kerr continued his basketball Midas touch by winning the NBA title in his rookie year as a head coach in 2014-15; he’s also worked as the Suns’ GM, as a television commentator and won five NBA rings as a player.

Also worked for: Suns (general manager, 2007-10), Turner Sports (2003-07 and 2010-14).

He said it: “There were moments I didn’t know if I would get back at all this season. Coaching has actually helped considerably as I’ve continued to heal. I sort of had to just take a leap of faith. If I was going to wait until I felt great, I would have been waiting all season.” — Kerr, after winning the NBA’s Coach of the Year award last month.

Luke Walton

Age: 36

Years at UA: 1998-03.

This season: Walton has become a regular in the NBA Finals, making four appearances as a player with the Lakers and now two as an assistant coach with the Warriors. Now he’ll try to get back there as the Lakers’ head coach, a position he agreed to take after the Warriors’ season ends. Walton’s stock rose fast when he guided the Warriors to a 39-4 record in Kerr’s absence earlier this season.