Q: Erik Spoelstra is John Harbaugh. It was a great run, but has run its course. Ira, this is when you tell us about how he is a Hall of Fame coach and teams will line up for his services if he ever leaves the Heat. That’s what’s happening with Harbaugh, but the Ravens said it was time. – Ted.
A: Well, that is a reasonably cogent thought, at least when it comes to lengthy tenures with diminishing results. But wasn’t the NBA community earlier this season raving about how Erik Spoelstra adapted with the Heat’s new offense, proved willing to change 18 years into the process? I agree that sometimes it can feel like it’s getting old. But the Heat’s way when it has gotten old is to realign the roster, which also tends to then refresh the Spoelstra approach. That still would seem to be the preferable approach. You don’t get to be the Team USA Olympic coach without universal respect from those who know the most. Now, if the thought is it is getting tired and stale, then you move on, as the Ravens did. But also be careful what you wish for, because the grass isn’t always greener. In fact, it rarely is.
Q: How many more years will you allow Erik Spoelstra with this nonsense that frankly feels old news saying things like “we have to figure out,” “is a process,” “we have to get to our identity” and blah blah blah. – Jerry, Miami.
A: As long as he wants? Which generally is the process with Hall of Fame-level coaches. Consider what Erik Spoelstra has to work with. When there is not a superstar in the house, teams generally get left behind in the NBA. In the East, the Pistons have Cade Cunningham, the Knicks have Jalen Brunson, the Celtics have Jaylen Brown, the Cavaliers have Donovan Mitchell. The Heat do not have anyone of that caliber. So what you are asking is to overachieve. Sometimes a coach can get that. But that also is the exception. Erik Spoelstra has won with talent. Not many win without. In the blame game, the greater question is how this roster has (or has not) been crafted.
Q: There are all sorts of trade rumors. Why else would they keep Terry Rozier‘s salary? The local and national press are throwing out all sorts of rumors and possibilities. I think everyone is concerned and confused and it will affect their play. – Rich, Plantation.
A: If trade rumors or speculation impact a player’s play, then shame on them and it’s time to put on the big-boy pants. The NBA lifestyle comes with tradeoffs. On one hand, it could mean relocation at a moment’s notice in the case of a trade, something that generally does not happen to the rest of us when it comes to the guy sitting in the next cubicle. On the other hand, they are rewarded handsomely, unlike that guy sitting in the next cubicle. It’s part of the life. Yes, Tyler Herro has family and roots here. Yes, Andrew Wiggins has the same, having barely just arrived. Yes, Norman Powell is hoping to put down Miami roots of his own. But there also is a handsome paycheck every two weeks that rewards doing work at an elite level. That work, and excellence, is required, rumors or otherwise.