Erik Spoelstra has been one of the premier head coaches in the NBA. The Miami Heat coach is battling with the Boston Celtics to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals next week. He has a fascinating back story as Eric Spoelstra started from the literal bottom when it comes to coaching. But he is entrusted to bring championship glory back to Miami, and here is why.
Started from the Bottom
Coach Spoelstra started in the video room of the Miami Heat in the mid-90s. Cutting tape and highlights for coach Pat Riley, he worked his way up the organizational ranks, which has gained him the admiration of many. It is a non-traditional way of working up the coaching ranks as most people start as scouts or former players. However, one thing you know for sure is that nothing has ever been handed to him. Spoelstra knows what a hard day’s work looks like. He can break down film and scheme with the best of them.
The Accolades
As one of the most decorated coaches in NBA history, Coach Spo’s accolades are plentiful. Five NBA Finals appearances. Two NBA championships. The most wins in Miami Heat history. Over 1100 games coached in the regular season (660 wins) and nearly 100 playoff victories. As part of the NBA’s 75th-anniversary celebration, they selected the 15 Greatest Coaches in NBA History. Spoelstra and Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr are the only coaches still in the playoffs that are also in that top 15.
He has coached Hall-of-Famers, including Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James. He has coached against many more.
Coaching Matchup
Coach Spo figures out ways to win, especially if we have a tight game at some point in this series. It is usually the nip-and-tuck games where the defensive adjustments and offensive schemes stand out the most.
Historically, it’s tough to coach when guys are in and out of lineups. Players will give you minutes on game day. Still, behind the scenes, shootarounds are canceled, practices are walk-throughs in a hotel conference room, players are receiving treatment instead of breaking down film, the injured have minutes restrictions, assistant coaches are interviewing for jobs, etc.
I say all of this to remind Miami Heat fans to relax. The series against the Boston Celtics is tied up at two games apiece, with two out of the following three games in Miami. Erik Spoelstra has seen it all in his nearly 30 years around the league. He always finds a way to make the adjustment and find something that works.
One thing Miami Heat fans can hang their hat on is that Erik Spoelstra will not be outcoached. In his fourteen years as the head coach, there has never been an instance where he has lost with the more talented roster. You can expect the roster shuffling to continue as he seeks ways to generate the same consistency that made the Heat the number one team in the East this season.
For more NBA playoff coverage, follow me on Twitter. Please follow Belly Up Sports for all of your sporting news.
