Miami Heat: Spoelstra and Whiteside reach new compromise
A conversation between Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra and Hassan Whiteside over the All-Star Break, has given the two a renewed focus for the rest of the season.
Despite two championships and seven playoff berths to his name, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra doesn’t always yield the respect he deserves. In his tenth season, finding reports that call his decisions into question, is almost as easy as finding those that praise them.
For instance, earlier this season, former Heat player Michael Beasley, launched an attack on his former coach.
"“I feel I could’ve gotten more out of that organization,’’ Beasley told The New York Post last January. “I feel Spo’ could’ve believed in me a lot more than he did. It’s in the past. [There’s] no love lost.”"
Having led a band of superstars some seasons and ushered in a youth movement in others, Spoelstra is bound to get lashed at occasionally. Pleasing everyone, all the time, is a full time job in its own right.
Spoelstra does, however, make a point to show his rule in Miami’s kingdom is not absolute. Following the 2018 All-Star break, reports surfaced that Spoelstra and Hassan Whiteside shared a closed curtain conversation, covering Spoelstra’s minutes decisions and Whiteside’s effort.
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Since chopping it up over the weekend, Miami has gone 2-2. But more importantly, Whiteside averaged almost 30 minutes per game over that stretch.
"“Our communication, me and Spo, is better,” Whiteside said in reference to the meeting. “When I make a mistake, he’s not yanking me as fast. He’s letting me play through mistakes rather than taking me out so early.”"
Spoelstra and Whiteside’s willingness to hash out their differences is an incredible positive for Miami.
As Miami’s third leading scorer and most visibly recognizable defensive threat, keeping Whiteside motivated and engaged in games, keeps the team’s options open on both ends of the floor.
And for the Heat’s bevy of young players, Spoelstra and Whiteside’s reconciliation is invaluable off the hardwood as well. The conversation sets an example that Spoelstra and the Heat are agreeable to meeting their players half way, to bring out the best in both sides.
For Whiteside, the talk has had clear impacts on his determination. Prior to the loss against the Los Angeles Lakers, he was shooting 55 percent from the field while chasing down 35 total rebounds. In fact, his 11.7 rebounds per game, were good enough for third in the league over that stretch.
But the numbers only tell part of the story. And if Spoelstra tells it, stats are a complete non-issue.
"“It’s never about the boxscore,” Spoelstra said. “I don’t want him to ever get confused about that. I know it’s easy to in today’s day and age. But it’s about his activity level, his energy. His ability to sustain both those things and his commitment to make winning plays. And he’s been very good since the break.”"
Hopefully earning Spoelstra’s seal of approval will be enough to carry Whiteside through the remaining 21 games of the season. Still battling nagging injuries to Tyler Johnson and Wayne Ellington, the Heat will need everything Whiteside can muster to stay in the playoff race.
Next: Miami Heat: Should Dwyane Wade stick around after this year?
The Heat host their next game against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, hoping to bounce back from Thursday night’s loss.