Is Spoelstra with Miami for the long-haul?
If roster development isn’t at the forefront of every fan’s mind, maybe coaching is.
Head coach Erik Spoelstra is currently the second-longest tenured coach in the Association, sandwiched between Gregg Popovich and Rick Carlisle of the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks, respectively.
Much like his Texan colleagues, Spoelstra has had to endure the highs and lows of his franchise, ever-aware of the need to adapt his coaching style to a changing league.
For the most part, Spoelstra has been successful.
Of Miami’s six head coaches in franchise history, he has the second highest win percentage (.602). In his 11 seasons, Spoelstra was able to notch 45 more wins than Riley was in the same timeframe.
More important than victories or titles, Spoelstra has shown he is capable of coaching some of the league’s best talent, even when said talent is at peak performance.
From 2010 to 2014 Spoelstra ruled with an iron fist, ensuring every roster member bought into Miami’s game plan.
But like Miami’s roster in the last few seasons, maybe Spoesltra too has begun to stagnate.
Criticism has fallen on his rotations (or lack thereof).
And unlike his previous teams that have had a standout superstar, Spoelstra is working with a group of young prospects, hoping for a breakout season.
While his conversations with players like Whiteside indicate player-Spoelstra relations are at an all-time high, it might be time for a new voice in the locker room.
All things considered, Miami’s outlook is not nearly as desperate as it could be.
Where teams like the Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors have to endure growing pains with new players, the Heat are accustomed to the product on the floor each night.
Figuring out how to maximize that product’s profits however, is of the utmost concern.