“It’s disgusting to be quite honest” – Stan Van Gundy openly admits to being JEALOUS of Heat coach Erik Spoelstra
Former Heat coach Stan Van Gundy reveals his envy of Erik Spoelstra’s longevity and success in Miami.
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Stan Van Gundy knows what it’s like to coach in the NBA. He’s been a head coach for three different teams: the Miami Heat, the Orlando Magic, and the New Orleans Pelicans. Van Gundy has also been an assistant coach for several others franchises, including the Golden State Warriors. But he’s never had the kind of stability and success that Erik Spoelstra has had with the Heat.
Spoelstra, who was Van Gundy’s assistant in Miami from 2003 to 2005, was promoted to head coach of the Heat in 2008. He’s led them to five NBA Finals and two championships. He’s also forged strong relationships with Pat Riley, Jimmy Butler, and other key figures in the organization.
On the other hand, Van Gundy has never lasted more than five seasons with any of his teams. He’s also had conflicts with some of his star players, like Dwight Howard in Orlando and Zion Williamson in New Orleans.
That’s why Van Gundy jokingly admitted he’s jealous of Spoelstra while on commentary for TNT.
“I’m jealous of Spo. I mean, it’s disgusting to be quite honest,” Van Gundy said. “He’s been there 14 years. He’s been to the Finals five times. He’s won two rings. He’s got a great situation there. He’s got a great owner in Micky Arison. He’s got the best executive in the history of the game in Pat Riley. He’s got a superstar player in Jimmy Butler who loves him and who he loves.”
Van Gundy said he respects Spoelstra as a coach and a friend, but he can’t help feeling envious of his situation. “He honestly looks the same as he did when I started working with him in 1995 and it’s disgusting to be quite honest,” Van Gundy said.
Why Erik Spoelstra is one of the best coaches in the NBA?
Van Gundy’s jealousy of Spoelstra is understandable, considering Spoelstra is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in the NBA. Spoelstra has proven his ability to adapt to different rosters and styles of play, from coaching the Big Three era of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, to developing young talents like Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.
Spoelstra has also shown his resilience and creativity in overcoming adversity and injuries. In 2021, he led the Heat to the NBA Finals despite being the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. Losing Goran Dragic and Adebayo to injuries during the series against the Los Angeles Lakers cost them a fair shot at the title. This season, he has kept the Heat competitive despite missing Butler for 20 games due to health and safety protocols and a knee injury.
Spoelstra has earned the respect and trust of his players, colleagues, and rivals for his work ethic, basketball IQ and leadership skills. He has also maintained a close bond with Riley, who hired him as a video coordinator in 1995 and promoted him to head coach in 2008.
Spoelstra is currently the second-longest tenured coach in the NBA behind Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs. He has a career record of 607-392 (.608) and ranks eighth among active coaches in wins. He is among only eight coaches in NBA history to win multiple championships.
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Ankush Singh
(616 Articles Published)