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Miami Heat: 3 goals for head coach Erik Spoelstra in 2018-19

By Jack Leniart

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 6: Head Coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat looks on during the game against the New York Knicks on April 6, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 6: Head Coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat looks on during the game against the New York Knicks on April 6, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – APRIL 25: Head coach Erik Spoelstra stands with his player Hassan Whiteside
CHARLOTTE, NC – APRIL 25: Head coach Erik Spoelstra stands with his player Hassan Whiteside /

Hassan Whiteside

Hassan Whiteside signed a max contract two years ago.

In the two seasons since, he has had a slight dip in productivity on the court. Part of that can be attributed to injuries, and part of it can be attributed to a shift in the style of play in the NBA.

Regardless of what the reason is, it’s clear that Whiteside’s recent struggles are starting to wear on him.

Spoelstra made the decision to reduce Whiteside’s minutes in some key situations last season – including in the playoffs. That decision did not go over well with Whiteside initially. As a fan, I can understand his reaction. Whiteside was the highest paid player on the team – something he was very proud of.

He wanted to be on the court with his teammates making an impact.

Heat fans were worried that the disagreement between Spoelstra and Whiteside would carry over into next season. However, recent reports would indicate that the two are on better terms heading into the 2018-19 season.

If the Heat are going to have success next season, they will need their head coach and max player to be on the same page.

It took some time and work for Spoelstra and Whiteside to mend their relationship, and it will take more time and work for them to strengthen it even further.

If Spoelstra wants to lead the Heat back to the playoffs this upcoming year, he will need to keep his max player engaged all season. Hopefully that results in Whiteside’s production trending towards what it was in the 2015-16 season, that ultimately earned him his max contract.

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