NBA: What Every Team Should Be Thankful For In 2016-17

Oct 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (middle) during the national anthem before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (middle) during the national anthem before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 15, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra looks on during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at American Airlines Arena. The Hawks won 93-90. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra looks on during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at American Airlines Arena. The Hawks won 93-90. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat

Erik Spoelstra

This answer used to be Pat Riley, but after what has transpired the last couple of summers, it’s now Erik Spoelstra. The Miami Heat have lost Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and (now) Chris Bosh over the last few summers. This is a different era that the Heat are entering.

An era that will be dictated by Spo. And the Heat are lucky to have him. He’s a great basketball mind, and will only be given more and more power. Expect him to play a similar role on the Heat as Gregg Popovich plays on the Spurs.

Miami is in good hands moving forward. Not because of Riley, though. Because of Spo.