- Report: Tyler Herro out for Game 4 vs. Celtics
- Bam Adebayo insists he isn’t making statement against Celtics in ECF despite ‘disrespectful’ DPOY voting
- Victor Oladipo’s 1-emoji summary of his dominant defensive performance vs. the Celtics
- Report: Celtics provide injury updates on Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart and Robert Williams ahead of Game 4 vs. Heat
- Erik Spoelstra implies Miami Heat had to restrain Jimmy Butler from playing in 2nd half of Game 3
- Former NBA star explains how Miami Heat’s strict body fat requirement prevented him from playing with LeBron James
- Erik Spoelstra reveals that Kyle Lowry intends to play in Game 3 vs. the Celtics
- Amar’e Stoudemire crushes Tyler Herro for not being same bubble player: ‘Where is the focus on basketball?’
- Report: Miami Heat legend Tim Hardaway joined New York Knicks in scouting role this season
- Report: Boston Celtics upgrade Al Horford’s status for Game 2 of Eastern Conference Finals
Erik Spoelstra explains why life as a coach makes it so important to cherish special moments with family
- Updated: February 20, 2022

During All-Star Weekend festivities in Cleveland, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra explained why it’s so important for him to cherish special moments with his family.
Spoelstra’s wife and children are with him in Cleveland for All-Star Weekend. The family seems to be making some precious memories.
“I don’t want to let these moments pass,” Spoelstra said. “This is a big part of my family’s life is our business. The life of a coach for a family is not the easiest career. The travel, pressure, criticism, all of the above. Our kids are young, so as much as we possibly can, we want them to be a part of this world. As you can see them running around at half court, it’s quite different than my All-Star experience nine years ago.”
Back in 2013, Spoelstra served as an All-Star Game head coach for the first time. At that particular moment, he was unmarried and had no children.
That changed in 2016, when Spoelstra married Nikki Sapp, a former Heat cheerleader. The couple has since welcomed two sons into the world.
At the age of 51, Spoelstra has spent roughly half of his life working in the Heat organization. He began as a video coordinator in 1995. He earned some promotions over the years and eventually became the organization’s head coach.
Spoelstra’s experience with the commitment required for life in the NBA has shaped his current perspective. Being away from home for extended periods of time can be very tough, especially when it comes to raising two young children.
Exactly how long Spoelstra will continue to serve as the Heat’s head coach is unknown. At present, he’s no doubt enjoying the fact that the Heat are tied with the Chicago Bulls for the best record in the Eastern Conference.
When the time comes for Spoelstra to walk away, it seems clear that he’s aware of what’s truly important in his life.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login