Erik Spoelstra (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Following their blockbuster trades ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season, the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks have become dominant forces in the Eastern Conference. On the other hand, the Miami Heat, who have lost two NBA Finals in the last five seasons, will feature an almost identical roster in the upcoming season. While many felt scared of the changes made by other franchises, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra remains untroubled with the offseason trades.

The Miami Heat reached the NBA Finals in 2023 after finishing seventh in the Eastern Conference standings that season. The Heat finished eighth last season and lost the first round of the playoffs against the eventual champions, the Boston Celtics, in five games.

Ahead of the 2024-25 regular season, the Miami Heat held their media day at the Kaseya Center on Monday. While many were excited to see Jimmy Butler’s look this time, Tyler Herro took center stage with his new hairstyle. In an interview on Heat’s media day, Spoelstra mocked a reporter for repeatedly asking about the other franchises’ offseason trades.

The Heat coach said, “You sound scared. You have to be about it. Our guys have done everything that I’ve asked them to do this offseason. From our season-ending meeting, where it was raw, how we were ousted by Boston, left a feeling in every single one of us.”

You Have To Take What You Want: Erik Spoelstra On Miami Heat’s Approach

The Philadelphia 76ers added Paul George to their roster, making a Big Three with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks traded Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo for Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Heat coach believed they would be at their best in the upcoming season.

Jimmy Butler, Kevin Love, and Bam Adebayo (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Spoelstra said, “Everything can look however you want to look on paper. Boston can say whatever they want to say; they’ve earned it. They beat all of us, and they were crowned. So they can feel however they want to feel going into this season. With that said, they still have to earn it.” 

“It’s a new season, New Year. There will be a bunch of teams that are gunning for that title. Our guys like that world where you have to earn it, you have to take what you want out of this league, and you can’t be afraid of the competition,” he added.

The 2024-25 NBA regular season will begin on October 22, with the Boston Celtics taking on the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Miami Heat will host Paolo Banchero’s Orlando Magic in their season opener on October 23 at the Kaseya Center.