As last season came to a disappointing end, there was some speculation that Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra may have been a little burned out. Pat Riley added some credence to that when he said there was so much "strain" and "stress" on Spo that he needed a break and some rest.
However, Spo didn't waste time dispelling those concerns by admitting he was embarrassed by how the season ended. That, more than anything, was what was truly bothering him.
It makes sense. For as hard and as much work as Spo puts into his job, you never want your season to end in an embarrassing fashion. Not like the Heat went out. In the first round of the playoffs, they lost by historic margins.
It wasn't just the fact that the Heat were bounced out of the first round; it was the fact that they didn't even look like they belonged on the same floor as the Cleveland Cavaliers. Many times in that short four-game series, it didn't feel as if the two teams were even playing the same sport.
That was the biggest problem for Spo. And, you'd have to imagine that was one of the bigger motivators for him during the offseason.
The Heat look to turn a new leaf
If there was anything fans could get excited about after media day, it's the idea that it appears the Heat is excited about a new chapter for the franchise. That all begins with Spo preparing to install a new identity for the team.
It was a common theme all throughout media day, and we're going to get a good idea of that once practice begins. The Heat vow to play faster as they lean a bit more into their youth movement, especially now that Jimmy Butler is a faint memory.
It will be a true test since it hasn't necessarily been in the team's DNA to do so. And it may be the team's only option as they look to differentiate themselves from the rest of the Eastern Conference.
But if Spo is indeed rejuvenated, it could open the door for an interesting season for the Heat. They may not be competing for a championship this season, but they have enough talent to be a feisty team in the East.
And you can bet that if that doesn't end up being the case, Spo will be one of the bigger reasons why. A few months ago, there was a reason to believe that Spo was a bit burned out. Even if he was, that's no longer the case now.