The beginning of the 2024-25 NBA season sees eight teams with new head coaches compared to the previous season.

Doc Rivers assumed the role of head coach for the Milwaukee Bucks in January, while Brian Keefe took over the Washington Wizards as interim coach earlier in the year and was confirmed in the position permanently in May. Additionally, six other teams made coaching changes before the current season.

Among these eight coaches, four are stepping into head coaching roles for the first time in the NBA: JJ Redick with the Los Angeles Lakers, Jordi Fernandez with the Brooklyn Nets, Charles Lee with the Charlotte Hornets, and Keefe. The other four coaches have had previous head coaching experiences: Rivers, Mike Budenholzer with the Phoenix Suns, J.B. Bickerstaff with the Detroit Pistons, and Kenny Atkinson with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Here is a look at the new coaches facing significant pressure this season:

5. J.B. Bickerstaff, Detroit Pistons

J.B. Bickerstaff is under scrutiny after the Pistons finished last season with only 14 wins. In recent years, the team has struggled, with previous win totals of 17, 23, and 20. The current roster includes four lottery picks, notably Cade Cunningham, who was the No. 1 overall pick in 2021 and recently signed a substantial extension. Following a disappointing tenure, the Pistons replaced Monty Williams after just one season, which adds to the expectations for improvement under Bickerstaff’s leadership.

4. Kenny Atkinson, Cleveland Cavaliers

Kenny Atkinson, known for his previous stint with the Brooklyn Nets from 2016-2020, is stepping into a solid situation with the Cavaliers after they finished 48-34 last season and reached the second round of the playoffs. He inherits a talented roster that includes stars like Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, and Darius Garland. The challenge for Atkinson will be to push this team deeper into the playoffs, especially in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference.

3. Mike Budenholzer, Phoenix Suns

After parting ways with Monty Williams and Frank Vogel in successive seasons, the Phoenix Suns have brought in Budenholzer as their new head coach. A native of Arizona, Budenholzer previously led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship in 2021. His coaching reputation is solid, emphasizing strong defense and maximizing player potential, as he did with Giannis Antetokounmpo. This season, with a star-studded roster including Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, Budenholzer faces high expectations, as the Suns aim to advance beyond the first round and compete for a championship.

2. Doc Rivers, Milwaukee Bucks

Doc Rivers enters his first complete season with the Milwaukee Bucks following a mid-season hire last year. His challenge intensifies after the team, bolstered by the acquisition of superstar Damian Lillard to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo, suffered an early playoff exit in 2024. The Bucks, with championship aspirations, expect Rivers to deliver immediate results, especially given their significant financial commitment to him.

1. JJ Redick, Los Angeles Lakers

As the Lakers prepare for the season, they face a dual focus: pursuing immediate success with veterans LeBron James and Anthony Davis while simultaneously developing younger talent for the future. JJ Redick, hired as head coach in June, is stepping into a challenging situation. He isn’t just managing any team; he’s in charge of the Lakers—a franchise renowned for its lofty expectations that go beyond mere playoff appearances. With James, nearing 40 yet still performing at an elite level, the pressure is on Redick to guide the team deeper into the postseason.