Erik Spoelstra was handed the reins to the Miami Heat after his mentor, Pat Riley, decided to step down from coaching after 11 seasons as the Heat’s coach. When he stepped down, Riley called Spoelstra a “man that was born to coach.”
More than 13 seasons, 645 wins, two NBA titles and now two chances to coach an All-Star Game later, Riley was proven right. When the NBA named its top 15 coaches of all time as part of its 75th anniversary celebration, Spoelstra was on the list — along with Riley.
“I was caught off-guard,” Spoelstra said. “I’m very humbled by that. It also makes me very uncomfortable. Again, I just go to the gratitude for our organization and the leadership with the Arisons and for Pat’s guidance and mentorship to me. I started out in the organization as a 24-year-old kid, and they’ve really mentored me and guided me through this business. I’m just very grateful for all the experiences with the organization and in this league.”
