Stability in the NBA is often overlooked as it doesn't always equate to instant winning. However, especially compared to the New York Knicks, Miami Heat fans should be thankful for their organization. In fact, I'd say that the rash move the Knicks may be lining up next is everything that runs contrary to how the Heat operates.
It's probably one of the bigger reasons why the Heat have won four NBA Championships in the last two decades and why the Knicks have only made the Eastern Conference Finals once over that same span.
After the questionable firing of head coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks looked to be lining up the possibility of hiring Jason Kidd away from the Dallas Mavericks. In theory, he is not necessarily a bad coach, but the comparisons between Kidd and Thibs are not grand enough that New York should be going out of their way to make such a big move. And if the recent reporting is any indication, that's probably not happening anyway.
Considering the big changes that the Knicks have undergone over the last couple of summers, the lack of organizational stability could end up shortening this team's championship window in the long run. One bad rash move, and everything could blow up for the Knicks. That's the big risk for all these semi-irresponsible moves.
The Heat aren't perfect, but have a culture that speaks volumes
Admittedly, the Heat's culture is going through some growing pains. It's not perfect and sometimes can find itself as the butt of the joke, especially when the team struggles to win games. However, if there's one thing that can be banked on for the Heat, it's that you know who's making decisions in the front office and you know who's going to be on the sidelines coaching up the players.
The Knicks clearly don't have that same stability, at least not yet. Heat Culture is probably on a downward trend at the moment, but it still holds value for situations like this offseason. When the bottom could be falling out for Miami, it's their stability that has kept this franchise from completely hitting rock bottom.
The Heat certainly still has their work cut out for them heading into the offseason, but we all know who's in charge and what the leadership is going to look like when next season begins. The Knicks, at least for now, don't know that yet.
Even if the Knicks don't end up hiring Kidd, firing Thibs after helping lead the team to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 30 years is pretty jarring. I'm not saying he was the perfect man for the job, but it's hard to envision how Kidd or any other candidate is going to make that much of a difference for New York.
The Knicks certainly had the better year and probably have the better roster at the moment, but there's no question the Heat's organizational stability is an element the Knicks sorely lack. Constant change is a big indicator of that. It's something that Heat fans could find humor in, especially considering the constant changes the team has endured, even despite their sudden success.