MIAMI _ Ask Erik Spoelstra about his signature Jordans and the Miami Heat coach beams. Such is the pride in his sneaker collection.
Now, the hope is that his two young sons one day will take as much pride in their Kobes.
As part of the NBA's ongoing tributes in the wake of Kobe Bryant's passing in Sunday's helicopter crash, Spoelstra and his staff, as well as other coaching staffs, worked Tuesday night in Bryant-branded footwear.
Spoelstra said his hope is that his family's tribute will be ongoing.
"I'm already planning on, when my sons get old enough, to order them the Kobes," he said of his 20-month-old and two-month-old children.
"I'm doing that. I'm going to tell them the story of Kobe Bryant when they're old enough to understand. Those shoes will be a symbol of excellence, work ethic, commitment and class."
Spoelstra offered the comment in the wake of Tuesday night's loss to the Boston Celtics at AmericanAirlines Arena, with the Heat now idle until Saturday night's game against the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center.
Earlier, he found himself working through the tragedy with former Heat guard Dwyane Wade.
"I texted with Dwyane," he said. "It's like we've all been struggling with this incredible mental weight. It's like these last two and a half days, your mind has been in the mud. All of us have felt this."
Wade, speaking during TNT's Tuesday tribute for Bryant, discussed his contact with Spoelstra.
"He said the cloud over everybody was dark," Wade said. "I said, 'Listen, this was the first day since I've retired that actually I wish I was in practice with you guys, actually wish I was on the court, wish I was able to smile and enjoy the game that I knew my friend enjoyed.' "
The Heat do not play at home again until Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers, their lone remaining home game until Feb. 22, the night Wade's No. 3 jersey will be retired.
Of whether there will be additional Heat commemoration for Bryant, Spoelstra said, "We're all on board for continuing to respect and honor what happened."
Players included.
"It just shows you how much of an impact he had on this game," center Bam Adebayo said. "Not only this game, but people nationwide. It's not just because of basketball.
"That's my favorite player growing up. It still hurts for all of us in the NBA. It's going to always feel like something is missing. That thing in the NBA is Kobe."
