4. “Does Erik Spoelstra even really coach?”
Mar 29, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra in the first half of a game against the Detroit Pistons at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Sigh.
When he first came on the head coaching scene in April 2008, many questioned whether Spoelstra was actually calling the shots, or if Pat Riley was still pulling strings behind the scenes. The same happened once James appeared, and speculation of The King controlling the team ran rampant.
Previously a video coordinator for the Heat in 1995, Spoelstra spent two years in that role before also being an assistant coach. In 1999, he dropped his original title, focusing on coaching and scouting. He went from an advanced scout to the director of scouting by 2001, and slowly kept working his way up to head coach.
Besides filling some of you in on Spoelstra’s background as a fun mini history lesson, the takeaway point is that prior to becoming the team’s head coach, the 44-year-old was a part of the organization for more than a decade.
That is thirteen years of gaining experience and soaking up knowledge. Thirteen.
In other words, yes, Spoelstra actually coaches. And although like any other head coach in the league, has made his fair share of mistakes, I would argue he has done a pretty decent job so far.
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