--Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said he'd employ the defense-first mentality began by coach Pat Riley, carried on with coach Stan Van Gundy, and maintained again by Riley.
"I'm a product of the Miami Heat culture and philosophy," he said. Spoelstra hopes the offense can take advantage of its athleticism.
"When healthy, I think we can play at a quicker tempo and pace provided we do it efficiently," he said.
Spoelstra won't use the low-post offense Riley relied on with C Shaquille O'Neal and C Alonzo Mourning. Rather he wants a sleek, perimeter-based attack, taking advantage of the "young, athletic, quick core of guys."
--Heat coach Erik Spoelstra's roster is well-stocked with talent. Looking at players under contract, Miami brings back players who could comprise a starting lineup of Marcus Banks and Dwyane Wade at guard, Shawn Marion and Udonis Haslem at forward and Mark Blount at center. Two top reserves could be forward Dorell Wright and guard Daequan Cook.
Guard Chris Quinn, a free agent, will likely be re-signed. There's some question as to whether Alonzo Mourning will return from his knee injury. There's also some question whether swingman Ricky Davis, an unrestricted free agent, will re-sign.
Regardless, the Heat has a first-round draft pick guaranteed to be no worse than No. 4, and it has the $6 million mid-level exception and the $2 million veteran's exception.
On the other hand, no matter how you spin things, rebuilding a team that went from NBA champions in 2006 to 59-105 (.360) in the following two years is a big job.
"I understand the challenge that's ahead of us," Spoelstra said.
--Pat Riley will end his coaching career third on the NBA's all-time victories list with a record of 1,210-694 (.636) in 24 seasons. In 11 years as Miami's head coach, Riley was 454-395 (.535) and won six division titles.
His 1,210 career victories trail only Lenny Wilkens (1,332), now retired, and Golden State's Don Nelson (1,280) on the NBA's all-time list. Riley's 171 postseason victories are second only to Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson (183 and counting). Riley's 282 postseason games coached is most all-time. And his five titles tie him for third-best all-time with John Kundla.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "It's been an incredible run." -- Former Heat coach Pat Riley, at his retirement announcement.
