MIAMI — In an alternate universe, the Miami Heat might have been guided at the moment, and in recent seasons, by Doc Rivers, Tom Thibodeau, Billy Donovan or a number of recycled coaches.
With a different Heat management model, that could be the perspective in this current NBA reality, as well, considering the flurry of coaching dismissals in recent days.
Because for all Erik Spoelstra has accomplished, including this current run of three Eastern Conference finals in four years, before the start of the run, the Heat had missed the playoffs in three of the previous five seasons, failure at a higher rate than what over the past week cost the jobs of Mike Budenholzer, Monty Williams and Rivers.
