Miami Heat hire Shane Battier to head analytics department

The Miami Heat announce the hire of Shane Battier to lead a prominent new role. One of many former players to stick with the Heat after retirement.

On Thursday afternoon, the Miami Heat introduced Shane Battier as their new Director of Basketball Development and Analytics.

From Miami’s press release:

"The Miami HEAT announced today that they have hired former HEAT player and two-time NBA champion Shane Battier as the Director of Basketball Development & Analytics. His duties will include the development of analytics in evaluating all talent, including college, free agents and current Miami players."

Team president Pat Riley spoke glowingly of Battier, saying he’s an, “out-of-the box-thinker and will bring fresh expertise that can help us evolve as a franchise.” He himself seems excited for the opportunity, saying that his main goal will be to, “bring another championship to Miami.”

(Sounds good to me!)

Battier played for the team for the last three years of his career, from 2011-2014. The Heat won titles in 2012 and 2013, in part thanks to his addition.

His leadership, defense and three-point shooting were instrumental in helping Miami get over the proverbial hump. Most will remember his contributions during Game 7 of the 2013 NBA Finals.

Battier was always known as one of the smartest guys in basketball. The fact that he was a member of two of the four longest win streaks in NBA history (2013 Heat, 2008 Houston Rockets) is certainly not a coincidence, either.

Although he’s bounced around various career paths after retirement, this opportunity seems like the perfect fit for both parties.