Latest news with #HeatCulture
Forbes
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Shaquille O'Neal On What Miami Heat Need To Be A Contender: ‘They Need A Big-Time Closer'
Miami coach Pat Riley and Shaquille O'Neal in Atlanta Hawks 91-83 loss to the Miami Heat at Philips ... More Arena in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Darrell Walker /Icon SMI/Icon Sport Media via Getty Images) Shaquille O'Neal is very familiar with 'Heat Culture' and what it takes to win a ring with the Miami Heat. 'The Big Aristotle' starred for the Heat during the mid-2000's, bringing his talents to South Beach after helping mold the Los Angeles Lakers into a contender in the early millennium. After winning three consecutive championships and Finals MVPs as a member of the Lakers, Shaq – along with Dwyane Wade – helped lead the Heat to their first franchise title in 2006. The Heat are in a weird spot at the current moment. They're just months removed from trading franchise star Jimmy Butler and barely squeaked into the playoffs as an eighth seed. They were clearly outmatched in their first-round series against the No. 1-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, losing their four games by an average margin of 30.5 points per game. However, the East is drastically weakened as a result of injuries to Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum and Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. Furthermore, the Heat just pulled off a trade for Norman Powell, an established scorer coming off of a career year with the Los Angeles Clippers where he averaged 21.8 points per game. 'The Heat have always been an organization where they do great things and take pride and being in shape and playing defense,' says O'Neal in a one-on-one interview. 'Norman Powell definitely give them a lift, but I still need for them to have that major impact. They think they need a big star.' There's little doubt that Miami has a lot of quality pieces. They have rising All-Star guard Tyler Herro, who is coming off of his own banner year as the Heat's new lead guy, averaging 23.9 points per game. The Heat also feature Bam Adebayo, an established All-Star and defensive presence along with veteran defensive wing Andrew Wiggins, who previously won a championship with the Golden State Warriors. As good as all of those collective pieces are, the problem is, none of them are true lead franchise guys to build your team around. The Heat need another 'closer,' as O'Neal says. They've been missing that since the traded Butler to the Warriors, where he immediately lifted that team to another level upon arrival. Butler also lead two Heat squads to the Finals. 'They got all the pieces,' says O'Neal. 'They just need a big, they need a closer, big-time closer. I don't know what it is, but they're always going to compete, always going to make a run for the players.' The four-time NBA champion reiterates that it's all about winning championships in Miami and under team president Pat Riley. 'When you talk about Miami culture, the culture, which I helped create, it's all about championships,' says O'Neal. 'Do they have enough to win a championship? No, not at all. But if you get them a closer, then we'll start talking championships.' Riley, one of the biggest basketball legends of all time, has won three championships with the Heat and won four championships prior as a head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers and one title as a player. 'That's all he cares about,' says O'Neal. 'He don't care about winning, he cares about winning championships. If he doesn't win championships, heads will roll.' When asked who are those possible closers that the Heat could target, O'Neal wouldn't get specific, simply saying that Riley has 'a lot of names' in mind. 'A lot of names,' says O'Neal. 'I don't want to get people in trouble, but he has a lot of names.' O'Neal – who has a long-standing partnership with Icy Hot – just unveiled the Icy Hot Comebaq court in Rockwall, Texas. It's the sixth court refurbished by the Shaquille O'Neal Foundation and Icy Hot as part of their efforts to rebuild places for kids to play in underserved communities. 'This is comeback court No. 6, I try to entrench myself with communities I live in and just go to local neighborhoods and see what the kids need,' says O'Neal. 'Basketball is a very vital part of my life. I recognize this, what the city council showed me, this court hasn't been refurbished in a while, and they let me come do my thing and we fixed it up really nice.' The 53-year-old Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame legend says there are plans to refurbish more courts moving forward. 'Of course,' says O'Neal when asked if they'll refurbish more courts across the country. 'Hopefully we will continue to do this for awhile.'
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Footage of Kasparas Jakucionis' First Practice With Heat Turning Heads
Footage of Kasparas Jakucionis' First Practice With Heat Turning Heads originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Miami Heat's latest draft pick, Kasparas Jakucionis, is already turning heads after his debut practice session with the team. Advertisement Footage shared by the official Miami Heat X account showcased the 19-year-old Lithuanian Guard gliding past defenders and dropping dimes to his new teammates. Jakucionis, selected 20th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, expressed his immense excitement, stating, "I feel great, excited to start the journey and all of this process." His unwavering excitement for getting out on the court with his teammates is a testament to the enthusiasm he carries when playing the game of basketball. The video, capturing Jakucionis' smooth ball-handling and superb vision, has generated significant buzz among fans and analysts alike. Advertisement Kasparas Jakucionis stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 20th pick by the Miami Heat. Brad Penner-Imagn Images "Already throwing lobs to Ware u love to see it," wrote one fan. "Luka 2.0," wrote another fan. "He's going to cook the summer league," said one user. "This dude is IT. #HeatCulture," said another user. "Summer League MVP here we come," chimed in another. Jakucionis' first practice with the Heat has certainly set the bar high going into the Summer League. As the Heat aim to recover after being swept by Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, developing Jakucionis will be a priority for Erik Spoelstra and the rest of the coaching staff. Despite Pat Riley being heavily scrutinized for dealing away Jimmy Butler plus the lack of moves he's made in the offseason thus far, his selection of Jakucionis signals a bright spot for the franchise. Advertisement As the 2025-26 season approaches, all eyes will be on Jakucionis to see if he's as good as advertised. Related: Bill Simmons Praises Pat Riley, Heat For Landing Hidden Gem This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Newsweek
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Bam Adebayo Defends 'Heat Culture' Amid Ongoing Criticism
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. All-Star Miami Heat big man Bam Adebayo has backed up "Heat Culture," the team's seemingly unique approach to roster-building and training, from its lingering critics. Following a trying 2024-25 season that saw six-time All-Star Miami swingman Jimmy Butler force his way out of town — and the team tumble out of contention — the notion of "Heat Culture" currently finds itself somewhat in flux. More Miami Heat News: Heat Star Bam Adebayo Loses Out on All-Defensive Team Honor For First Time in Years During a new interview with longtime NBA insider Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson, Adebayo revealed that he, for one, is an ardent supporter of the concept — even now. "If I ruled the world, I wouldn't change it." Miami Heat big man, Bam Adebayo talks Heat Culture, his big man influences, playoff takes and why Chris Bosh's sacrifice still sticks with him. A thoughtful convo full of insight and loyalty. 🔗Check out my latest with @Bam1of1 ➡️… — 👑 Brandon 'Scoop B' Robinson (@ScoopB) May 19, 2025 "If I ruled the world, I wouldn't change it," Bam said, when asked if he would handle Miami's approach to its team-building any differently. "The thing is, it's like if you're not in it, you wouldn't understand." Heat team president Pat Riley, who has been in charge of the organization since 1995, and longtime head coach Erik Spoelstra, who has been on the team's coaching staff since 1997 and its head coach since 2008, have instilled their own particular brand of basketball on generations of star players. More Miami Heat News: Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra Was Brutally Honest With Steve Kerr on Jimmy Butler Since the 2005-06 season, the Heat have appeared in seven NBA Finals, winning three. They traditionally employ a swarming, defense-first identity, are obsessed with fitness, and were one of the early proponents of small-ball basketball. "That's the thing about 'Heat Culture,'" Adebayo claimed. "If you aren't a part of it, then you don't know what it's like to be inside of the locker room or around the Heat organization." MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 26: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat looks on against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Kaseya... MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 26: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat looks on against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Kaseya Center on April 26, 2025 in Miami, Florida. More Photo by"Heat Culture" has been called out by a variety of critics over the years. During a fall 2024 episode of his eponymous "The Bill Simmons Podcast," The Ringer's Bill Simmons took stock of the club's recent failings. Bill Simmons asks if Heat Culture 'died' after striking out on Damian Lillard🤔 Mentions miss on Rozier trade, Jovic/Ware not panning out 'McCain was the most Miami pick. They whiffed on this pick. Im just not looking under my bed anymore for the Heat.' — Hot Hot Hoops (@hothothoops) November 22, 2024 "They had a terrible year [in 2023-24]," Simmons said. "[Pat] Riley got mad at [Jimmy] Butler. The [Terry] Rozier trade turned out to be kind of blah ... Bam's [Adebayo] gone backward." Rozier, acquired in a midseason 2023-24 trade with the Charlotte Hornets, fell out of favor with Spoelstra quickly in 2024-25 after an uninspiring playoff showing the previous spring. "I assume that's going to turn around [Adebayo's play] but I'm just pointing out he doesn't look like a top 15 player in the league," Simmons said. "Nikola Jovic, who they were all excited about, blah." A four-time All-Defensive Teamer and a three-time All-Star, Adebayo had a bit of a down season individually in 2024-25. After being pivoted to a power forward role next to rookie Kel'el Ware, Adebayo averaged a still-good 18.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.7 blocks a night for the 37-45 Heat. Miami became the first No. 10 seed to survive the play-in tournament and capture a playoff spot this spring, but the team had its clock roundly cleaned by the No. 1-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in a four-game sweep. When asked by Robinson about the Heat's team-building intentions during the offseason, Adebayo was a company man, keeping word mum. "I feel like that's more in-house... between the organization obviously with Pat [Riley], [owner] Mickey [Arison], and everybody else who's involved," Adebayo said. In another conversation with Robinson, the 6-foot-9 Kentucky product reflected on why he was omitted from this year's 10 All-Defensive Team honorees, a list he had made every year since 2020. "Uhh... Politics, you know? You can't really help it," Adebayo said. "Some dudes have power over the media and some dudes don't. But in my case, we can't really voice for it if we're in the 10th spot. Now if we're in the 3rd spot or 4th spot? You could say something." More Miami Heat News: Dwyane Wade Offers Blunt Reaction to Jimmy Butler's Playoff Run Former Heat Star Calls Out Jimmy Butler After Warriors Playoff Exit Heat President Pat Riley Unapologetic on Jimmy Butler, Promises More Changes Heat Star Tyler Herro Takes Massive Shot at Darius Garland Over Playoff Comments For more Miami Heat and general NBA news and rumors, stay tuned to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dwyane Wade admits he initially didn't think Erik Spoelstra would be a great NBA coach: "When he first got the job, I was like, 'What are we doing?'"
Even though Dwyane Wade and Erik Spoelstra won two championships together, Wade wasn't completely sold on Pat Riley's successor at first. He eventually learned that "The Godfather's" instincts were right. "I was a star player when Spo got his first head-coaching job," Wade recalled. "I was there along with the bumps and the bruises of a first-time coach. About time 'Bron came to Miami, I think he was about two, three years on the job, you saw the big improvement as a coach." Advertisement "But when he first got the job, I was like, 'What are we doing? Who is this?" added the three-time champion. Why Spo flourished Spoelstra had to learn the ropes before becoming one of the greatest. It was a steep learning curve, but he navigated through it because he had such strong foundational qualities, namely hard work and a thirst for perfection. "He had his strengths right away and his strength was you're going to be prepared. His preparation is incredible. His work ethic is off the chart," Wade stated. Even though it took years for Spoelstra to find his footing, he eventually got there. As Wade noted, he kept reinventing himself, especially after the 2011 Finals loss to the Dallas Mavericks. He began to study the methods of coaches from other sports and realized he could incorporate their methods into his system. More importantly, Spoelstra knew Riley had his back. Advertisement "You cannot bring a young coach in and fire him within three years. You have to give him space and time to learn how to be a coach, especially in the professional league. And Spo has that with Pat. He wasn't going anywhere. Pat let everybody know that you get out of here before he leaves," continued the 13-time All-Star. Related: Miami trainer says he had workouts with Jimmy Butler at 3:30 AM: "He likes to be uncomfortable because the game is supposed to be easy" Coaching crash course Riley could have taken dozens of routes when he decided to step down as the Heat's head coach. However, he chose Spo, a young Filipino-American working as the team's video coordinator. Advertisement According to Greg Cote of the Miami Herald, the unofficial job interview happened during the 2005-06 season, after Erik brought the game video for the team's film session and stepped aside for Riley to break the clips down for the team. Instead, the legendary coach wanted Spoelstra to "handle the video" with no prior heads-up. "You go over every clip," Riley said to Spo. "Call out the players. 'You didn't get back on defense.' 'You didn't take the charge.' There he was in front of the team for the first time." Shaquille O'Neal was there, along with grizzled veterans Alonzo Mourning, Gary Payton and Antoine Walker. D-Wade was also present, and although he was only 24 at the time, he was already a two-time All-Star and an up-and-coming MVP candidate. "He was brilliant. The players all sat up straight and showed him respect, and he did not fumble," Riles recalled. Advertisement Two years later, Spoelstra took over the Heat coaching reins. Seventeen seasons later, he is one of the best in the Association, so much so that he signed an eight-year extension worth $120 million last year, the highest amount committed to any North American coach in any sport. Wade may have questioned Spoelstra at the start, but time has a way of settling debates. Nearly two decades, multiple Finals runs and one massive extension later, there's no mistaking who was right all along. Related: Dwyane Wade demanded more from Shaquille O'Neal after a poor 2007-08 start: "We need him to help lead this team in other ways"
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rebuilding Miami Heat To Form Superteam For 2025-26 Season
The Miami Heat just hit rock bottom in the most public, painful way possible by getting swept in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers, capped off by an embarrassing 55-point beatdown in Game 4. Trading Jimmy Butler at midseason effectively slammed the door on Miami's title window, and even though Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro fought valiantly to drag this team into the playoffs, it was clear by the end that they were outgunned, outclassed, and out of gas. Advertisement But if there's one thing Pat Riley and the Heat have mastered, it's the art of the dramatic reload. And right now, the board is set for Miami to plot its next superteam. Two disgruntled superstars, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant, just got bounced out of the postseason in flameouts that could spark seismic changes. Giannis' Bucks lost to the Pacers in stunning fashion, punctuated by an on-court altercation that hints at brewing frustration in Milwaukee. Meanwhile, Morant's Grizzlies were swept out of the first round by the Thunder, their latest flop in what's been a chaotic season for Memphis. If the Heat want to rise from the ashes of this brutal 2024-25 campaign and become title contenders again, it's time to swing bigger than ever. Pairing Giannis and Ja in South Beach would instantly transform them into a title favorite and breathe new life into a franchise that's looked old and tired. Let's dive into how Pat Riley and company can pull off the ultimate double heist this summer. A Monster Move For Giannis Antetokounmpo Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on during the first quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn ImagesMandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Miami Heat Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson (Sign-and-Trade), Pelle Larsson, Jaime Jaquez Jr., 2029 First-Round Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick If Pat Riley wants to remind the world who invented the superteam era, prying Giannis Antetokounmpo out of Milwaukee would be a thunderclap move. The Bucks flamed out in the first round, losing to the Pacers in five games, and Giannis' heated altercation after Game 5 only amplified whispers that the two-time MVP might be reaching his breaking point. Advertisement Even though Giannis put up monster numbers this season, 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists on 60.1% shooting, Milwaukee's supporting cast around him has aged out and fallen flat. Sending All-Star Tyler Herro (23.9 PPG this year), Duncan Robinson, Pelle Larsson, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and two unprotected firsts is the kind of godfather offer that forces the Bucks to think about pivoting toward a retool. For Miami, this is the definition of an all-in gamble, but one that could pay off instantly. Giannis' relentless downhill force fits Heat Culture like a glove, and his two-way dominance would cover up many of Miami's flaws that were exposed in their playoff sweep. This year, Miami ranked just 21st in offensive rating (113.5) and struggled to generate rim pressure after trading Jimmy Butler. Giannis fixes both problems on Day 1. More than that, the Heat need a fresh face of the franchise, and no one commands global respect like Antetokounmpo, even after a tough postseason. Sliding him next to Bam Adebayo would create the most fearsome defensive frontcourt in the league. Advertisement Trading away Herro and Jaquez Jr. would sting, especially with Jaquez showing flashes as an All-Rookie performer last season, but Giannis is the kind of once-in-a-decade talent you empty the cupboard for. With Giannis on board, Miami plants its flag back atop the Eastern Conference and sets the table for the second part of its master plan: pairing him with a dynamic backcourt star who also finds himself at a career crossroads. Enter Ja Morant. Completing The Superteam With Ja Morant Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Miami Heat Receive: Ja Morant Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, Kel'el Ware, Nikola Jovic, 2025 First-Round Pick (GSW) Miami's dream scenario doesn't stop with Antetokounmpo, rather it finishes with snatching up the 25-year-old Morant, whose explosive athleticism and shot creation are tailor-made for South Beach stardom. Advertisement Morant's Grizzlies just suffered their own humiliation, getting swept by the Thunder in the first round, and questions are swirling about whether Memphis is ready to build around him after years of turbulence. Still, when Morant is on the court, his talent is undeniable: 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game this season despite playing only 50 games. The proposed trade, Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, rookie Kel'el Ware, Nikola Jovic, and a 2025 first-rounder, gives Memphis both win-now wings and young prospects while offloading Morant before his value dips further. For Miami, it's the second half of their superteam formation. Morant's downhill attack combined with Giannis' rim dominance would make the Heat the most feared transition team in the league, while Bam Adebayo cleans up everything on defense. And let's not forget, the Heat still have savvy veterans and championship infrastructure to guide Morant, something Memphis lacked. Advertisement Pairing Morant with Giannis would instantly catapult Miami past the Celtics, Knicks, and the Cavaliers in the East. No team would be able to match that combination of power and speed. More importantly, it would give the Heat an identity again after this lost season: young, fast, physical, and fearless. This is how Miami doesn't just return to relevance; they seize it. Miami Complete The Greatest Offseason In NBA History If Pat Riley pulls off both these moves, it would go down as the greatest single summer in NBA history. Adding Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant to a core that already features Bam Adebayo turns Miami from a broken, swept-out team into the odds-on favorite to win the 2026 NBA title. Advertisement Giannis is still the most dominant two-way force in the league when healthy. Morant is one of the most unstoppable drivers and finishers in basketball when locked in. And Bam? He's the defensive anchor who glues it all together. That trio would rival the Heatles of 2010 and the Warriors' KD era in sheer star power. After the humiliating sweep to Cleveland and the Butler breakup, many thought Miami's time was up. But by flipping assets like Herro, Wiggins, Rozier, and picks, they could pivot from an aging, inconsistent team into a dynamic, young powerhouse without ever bottoming out. That's Pat Riley's magic. And with new faces filling out the bench, think veterans chasing rings and undrafted gems, as Miami always finds, this team would have the depth to sustain a deep playoff run. Related: Bam Adebayo Hints At Major Offseason Changes For Heat After Getting Swept By Cavs
