(Miami coach Erik) Spoelstra has been part of the Heat organization since 1995, so there’s no shortage of ideas and ideals he’s taken from (Pat) Riley along those years. But those who would know say Spoelstra is far from simply being a clone of the man who still watches over the Heat from the president’s office.

He also doesn’t complain about having a Hall of Fame coach with seven championship rings on his resume around the office every day. Some would call that intimidating. Spoelstra calls it a gift.

“In terms of Pat, we talk all the time. All the time,” Spoelstra said. “It’s almost as if he’s a member on my staff. If I’m not calling him, if I’m not bumping into him at the office, I’m texting him. Our dialogue has been very good. It’s most relevant with a team like this. He’s walked in my shoes before.”

via Tim Reynolds of the Miami Herald