All U Can Heat
Fansided

Here are 3 Team USA players Erik Spoelstra can eventually recruit to Miami

By Gabriel Coelho

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 07: Assistant coach Erik Spoelstra and Anthony Edwards #10 of the United States warm up before a 2023 FIBA World Cup exhibition game against Puerto Rico at T-Mobile Arena on August 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 07: Assistant coach Erik Spoelstra and Anthony Edwards #10 of the United States warm up before a 2023 FIBA World Cup exhibition game against Puerto Rico at T-Mobile Arena on August 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next

The FIBA World Cup has started and Team USA is full of talented young players rising to their potential. Miami’s head coach Erik Spoelstra is a part of Steve Kerr’s coaching staff and will help these players’ development.

It’s common knowledge that bonds are created in Team USA, and sometimes it translates to joining forces in the NBA. Although it mostly happens between players, a connection involving their coaches is just as possible.

Spoelstra is highly praised around the Association, has a background of working with superstars and is one of the faces of a successful franchise. Add that to a big- market destination and playing in that context can be even more enticing.

Let’s run some possibilities involving this young National Team roster and who can become a target for Erik Spoelstra to recruit to Miami in the future.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – 2023/08/26: Jaren Jackson Jr. (R) of the United States and Yannick Wetzell (L) of New Zealand seen in action during the first game of the group phase of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 between the United States and New Zealand at the Mall of Asia Arena-Manila. Final score; USA 99:72 New Zealand. (Photo by Nicholas Muller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – 2023/08/26: Jaren Jackson Jr. (R) of the United States and Yannick Wetzell (L) of New Zealand seen in action during the first game of the group phase of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 between the United States and New Zealand at the Mall of Asia Arena-Manila. Final score; USA 99:72 New Zealand. (Photo by Nicholas Muller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) /

Why: The reigning Defensive Player of the Year would be a great fit on the Heat. Expecting Bam Adebayo to be in Miami for years, pairing them would create the best defensive frontcourt of the NBA. By far. 

Offensively, Jackson is the big floor-spacing power forward type that Spoelstra is used to have in his rosters. His addition would likely be immediately impactful, without even needing much adaptation from Miami’s star players.

Viability: Jackson will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026. Tyler Herro is the only player on the Heat current roster to have his contract guaranteed by then, although Adebayo and Jimmy Butler are expected to extend and still be the team’s foundation.

Shouldn’t he re-sign with the Memphis Grizzlies, it’s possible that Miami has the cap space to lure him and build a defensive powerhouse.

Home/Heat News