Spoelstra's On The Hot Seat
As I watch Miami struggle with New Jersey tonight (instead of blowing them out of the water like they should) it hit me. Erik Spoelstra's job is in jeopardy. Riley's a snake and did it once before to Stan Van Gundy- don't think he won't do it again. He still thinks Whistlin Phil's all-time NBA titles won is a record that should be his (personally I think Riley's the better coach between him and Whistlin Phil for reasons I've mentioned in the past). But this Heat team is built to win it now. Losing games is simply inexcusable. This team with this talent level in this watered-down NBA is a squad with 70-win potential.
I'm going out on the limb and saying if the Heat don't start at least 7-3 (meaning if they lose 2 more in the next 10, including Thursday's game against the Celtics) I think Spoelstra will be shown the door. Riley's itching to get back in this and add some titles to his resume. It doesn't help that Carlos Arroyo and Joel Anthony are below average NBA players, let-alone starters. It doesn't help Mike Miller's injured. Or they opted to stick with corpses Magloire, Howard and Ilgauskas rather than sign Erik Dampier.
Nevertheless keep an eye out for the first coaching change to take place in Miami, if the Heat lose 2 of their next 4. If nothing more for the fact that Riley's a scumbag.
I'm going out on the limb and saying if the Heat don't start at least 7-3 (meaning if they lose 2 more in the next 10, including Thursday's game against the Celtics) I think Spoelstra will be shown the door. Riley's itching to get back in this and add some titles to his resume. It doesn't help that Carlos Arroyo and Joel Anthony are below average NBA players, let-alone starters. It doesn't help Mike Miller's injured. Or they opted to stick with corpses Magloire, Howard and Ilgauskas rather than sign Erik Dampier.
Nevertheless keep an eye out for the first coaching change to take place in Miami, if the Heat lose 2 of their next 4. If nothing more for the fact that Riley's a scumbag.