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Miami Heat: Why Erik Spoelstra is still one of the top coaches in the NBA

By John Jablonka

Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat reacts against the Golden State Warriors (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat reacts against the Golden State Warriors (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – JANUARY 3: Goran Dragic #7, James Johnson #16, and Kelly Olynyk #9 of the Miami Heat during the game against the Detroit Pistons on January 3, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Improved players

If you closely look at some of the players that are and have been on the roster, many of those players have been slowly on the decline or simply turned role players into quality starters. Some of the names include:

Four of those players were on the decline and even some were almost out of the league. Take Deng for example, almost entering his 30s and being traded to Cleveland the season prior had found a good place in Miami for two of the next seasons. He was one of the top contributors, especially in the playoffs.

This was the same with Johnson. He was taken in the buyout market after his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets and it was clear at age 34, he wasn’t the same Johnson. It didn’t matter for the Heat as for a limited time Iso-Joe came through when he was needed.

What four of these players have in common is well, they were on the verge off decline but the main positive aspect is the fact that they all increased their effective field goal percentage to a career-high.

That is what Spoelstra’s system does. It can turn any player regardless of their age, stage in their career, role, whatever. He will implement these players and most will be at their best.

This is something to look forward to next season with the addition of Butler and Leonard as they are both veterans in the league and well, Butler is a top 15 player in the league. We are going to see how he can elevate Butler’s game to the highest level.

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