Saturday, 13 November 2010

Pat Riley's Shadow Looms Large Over Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat

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Pat RileyMIAMI -- Hefty expectations were placed on the Miami Heat when Pat Riley achieved his dream scenario in free agency, but with each early-season loss -- especially now that the Boston Celtics have had their way with them twice -- the criticism has already mounted about the Heat's chances for a deep run in the playoffs several months from now.

Erik Spoelstra, one of the youngest coaches in the league, is tasked with making Riley's vision a reality. The question now is how patient the Heat's president will be with his proétgé. As the pressure builds on Spoelstra, it's worth re-visiting the confidence Riley expressed in him not that long ago.

"He's ready for this," said Riley fifty days ago on the eve of the Heat's Media Day when his new prizes would be shown off before training camp opened. "I think the last two years have really steeled him to being able to deal with all the aspects of being a head coach. The pressure of just making the playoffs or making the fourth of fifth position, you feel the same kind of pressure as you would if you had to try to win a championship."

That day, Riley insisted that Spoelstra was the right man for the job yet at the same time noting the reality of how much job security a head coach truly has, regardless of the sport.

 

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