MIAMI _ Days after it was revealed that Miami Heat President Pat Riley had agreed last year on a five-year extension with the team, coach Erik Spoelstra on a podcast released Friday said he one day, well down the road, could envision moving into a Riley-type role.
Speaking on a Yahoo podcast, Spoelstra was asked by long-time NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski about a potential future in leading a franchise.
"Short answer would be, I'm a Pat Riley disciple, and, like I've said, he's always pushed me and nurtured me for the next steps," Spoelstra said during the interview recorded in Southern California. "So, yes, that I'd love to have that opportunity years down the line from the Arison family, because I believe in them so much as human beings. They're such good people and family oriented."
But Spoelstra, 46, also said that he is comfortable in his current role under owner Micky Arison and Heat CEO Nick Arison, confirming that he already has a seat in all organizational meetings with Riley and general manager Andy Elisburg.
"Pat, he's going to go on, hopefully for a while," Spoelstra said. "I think he's younger now than he was when he was coaching. And he's such a visionary. The way things are set up right now, look, I want this to be the set-up that it is right now.
"I feel involved. Every meeting that's important, that deals with the organization and personnel, it's usually just four of us that get in a room, Pat, Nick, Andy and myself. And if it really gets to a level, then Micky will. I couldn't ask for anything more. I don't feel like I need more right now."
In an interview with ESPN the Magazine, Riley, 72, said he signed a five-year extension with the team a year ago that includes the option of overseeing the team from elsewhere than South Florida, with a home in the Los Angeles area, as well.
Spoelstra stressed he is comfortable in his current role. He confirmed this past season that he, too, had received a contract extension.
"The value I want to bring right now is the culture of coaching and developing men and a team," he said. "I want to bring value to the organization from this chair. And I have enough on my hands right now, that that's all I'm thinking about. And I think it's important to enjoy just this present moment of that, and not think about what's ahead.
"My sister always says, 'Focus on your own math,' that I don't have to be sped up because of other people are doing that. I can feel fine with this right now and be OK with it, because I do love it. I love the whole dynamic right now. I really do, truly hope this goes on like this, this dynamic for a long, long time."
Spoelstra said the coaching staff continues to encourage players to visit with Riley, noting, "He always backs our voice and what the culture is."
He quipped of players being nervous about such moments in Riley's imposing executive suite alongside Biscayne Bay, "Maybe lighten up the shades so it doesn't look like they're going in there to see the Godfather."
Spoelstra touched on several career-related topics during the podcast.
