The Shaq factor& more on the coaching change

If the Shaq trade hadn't happened, I'm not so sure that Erik Spoelstra is the head coach today. It's hard to figure whether Pat Riley would feel comfortable stepping down if Shaq were still there, but the point is that not having Shaq should certainly make this transition easier for the Heat. Jettisoning Shaq to Phoenix is working out better for the Heat on all fronts.Riley can focus on the personnel side and it allows there to be a fresh voice in the lockerroom. Also, even though Shawn Marion missed more than a dozen games because of injury, the Heat will be a much better defensive team than if it had Shaq (The "Big Cactus" doesn't look like he's improved the Suns defense or has the ability to carry the team to the second round of the playoffs).

Spoelstra emphasized that playing sound defense will be paramount to the Heat having a successful season. He made that a big point before talking about wanting to run a more up-tempo offense. Spoelstra should be able to better relate to the players than Riley, and perhaps having a new voice will re-energize the team. Injuries aside, there was little life in the lockerroom this season.

A few of you asked about why Riley passed over assistant coach Bob McAdoo (pictured left) for the job. Riley never addressed that Monday so it's hard to know exactly what Riley thought of McAdoo as a candidate. McAdoo worked primarily with the post players and was in charge of charting the team's offensive efficiency. He also prepared the Heat's game-plan for defending opposing big men. Spoelstra's role seemed to be more encompassing as he coached the summer-league team the past few years, worked on developing more of a range of players and was involved in personnel discussions. One big difference between Spoelstra and McAdoo is age. Spoelstra is 37. McAdoo, a Hall of Fame player, is 56. Riley mentioned that he thought having a young coach is an asset because of how demanding the job is time-wise and he is fairly close in age to the players. McAdoo has been a Heat assistant coach for 13 seasons, so he is clearly highly regarded and Spoelstra made a point of saying he wants to keep the coaching staff intact.

Comments

[Dan G.]

I have been wondering a few things about Spoelstra's appointment:

1. How the other, more tenured assistants like McAdoo, Rothstein and Askins would feel about the younger guy (i guess he's been with the organization for 13yrs but not all as a coach) getting the job.

2. How the players will feel about a non-ex NBA player being the voice of authority, especially one close to their age.

Or does the nod of Riley just cover for all of this?