Byron Scott, middle, led the Hornets to the Southwest Division title this season. (Donna McWilliam/Associated Press)Byron Scott, who guided the New Orleans Hornets to their first playoff appearance in four years, was awarded the Red Auerbach Trophy as NBA coach of the year on Tuesday.
Scott, 47, coached the Hornets to a franchise-best 56-26 record this season, clinching the Southwest Division title and the third playoff seed in the Western Conference.
New Orleans leads the Dallas Mavericks 3-1 in their best-of-seven conference quarter-final.
"It is a tremendous honour to receive this prestigious award," Scott said. "It has been a wonderful season for us, coming back home to New Orleans.
"I'm proud to be a part of this organization, and to be the head coach of such a tremendous group of young men who excel both on and off the court."
Scott is 300-316 overall as head coach of the New Jersey Nets and Hornets, who hired him on May 28, 2004.
New Orleans has improved in each of his four seasons at the helm, finishing 18-64 in 2004-05, 38-44 in 2005-06 and 39-43 last season.
Scott averaged 14.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 28.1 minutes in 14 NBA seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Indiana Pacers and Vancouver Grizzlies.
Drafted fourth overall out of Arizona State in 1993, he won three championships with the Lakers (1985, 1987-88) and reached the playoffs in 13 of 14 seasons.
Scott played his final pro campaign in Greece, earning most valuable player honours as Panathinaikos prevailed 3-2 over PAOK Thessaloniki in the championship final for its first title in 14 years.
Scott then retired as an active player and served two seasons as an assistant coach with the Sacramento Kings before becoming head coach of the Nets, setting a franchise record with 52 wins in 2001-02.
With files from the Associated Press
