According to ESPN commentator and former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy, who
According to ESPN commentator and former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy, who said on a Finals conference call Tuesday that he believes the Heat’s young coach is destined for Springfield.
“Erik is still in the phase where he gets more blame for their losses than credit for their wins, but he’s going to the Hall of Fame,” Van Gundy said. “He’s that good. His even?keel demeanor, his humility, I think helps him really get the most out of his best players and you know, it’s fun to watch his teams, fun to watch [Popovich’s] teams. I just love the grace and humility both teams play with.”
Van Gundy sees Spoelstra’s postseason success over the last three seasons as only one part of his résumé.
“Erik to me has never gotten in his short time, the credit that he deserves, particularly those first two years [2008-09 and 2009-10] that he took over,” Van Gundy said. “He’s taken over in a pretty down period in Miami Heat basketball, and with [Udonis] Haslem and Wade, Wade obviously being his best player, but the cornerstone of Haslem, that they were able to win as much as they did the first two years showed his true greatness in coaching. And then how he’s done these last three years, now being in the Finals three consecutive years, and actually delivering more than ever could have been expected with James. To reach three consecutive Finals is an incredible feat.”
The 42-year old Spoelstra is the son of Elisa Celino who is from San Pablo, Laguna and Jon Spoelstra, who was a basketball executive in the NBA.