Answers from the Asylum: Is Spoelstra in charge just appease LeBron and Wade?

Jason said...

(jlak on SS blog)do you think they have spo there just to make lebron and wade feel good about themselves?

August 21, 2010 7:40 PM

Yes, I do think who the coach is a reflection of what LeBron and Dwyane wanted. I, personally, do have some concerns about players handpicking their coaches. While Dwyane and LeBron are two of the best players on the planet, I am under the impression that they could use a coach that they would both look up to. Is Spoelstra that guy? I think they respect his basketball knowledge, but my impression is that they decided to play under a coach that will not be on their case too much and instead focuses on the role players and defense as places where the majority of the growth will come from. Honestly, if I was as talented, motivated and intelligent as Wade and James are, I would not want a coach constantly on my case, which is apparently Riley's biggest "flaw" --- he lets nobody off the hook and pushes them to the limit, which I assume is not a lot of fun. The players are getting one year to do it their way and if they fall short, I would expect a guy like Doc Rivers to get a serious offer. Riley could also be the guy, as long as Wade gets on board with it.

Ohshz said...

Will Beasley thrive in Minny? Hes got competition with Love, Johnson and Brewer.

I do not think he will have a breakout year, because they do have other youngsters who they have invested high draft picks on and could keep him from getting the 36 minutes a game he needs to put up All-Star type numbers. I do think he will play a little bit more loose and rediscover some of that Kansas State swagger. Coach Rambis installed the triangle offense which could be good for Michael in the long run, but will also be an adjustment. I actually would like to see Michael play with a point guard like Ricky Rubio, but I'm not sure he is thrilled about playing in the triangle. Those two guys are crucial to Minnesota's rebuilding plan, but I think the main reason they invested draft picks on them was to have some disposable trade assets. Mike has his work cut out for him if he wants Minnesota to be his final NBA home, because this has "flip that draft pick" written all over it.