Q: Ira, watching the Olympics, they said Steve Kerr and the coaches do not get medals for winning in basketball. Why is that? – Austin.
A: You are correct that there also is no gold for Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, who assisted Steve Kerr during Team USA’s run to men’s basketball gold at the Paris Olympics. But then you also have to consider the amount of coaches across the gamut, with every track star, for example, having their own coach and the same in many disciplines. Still, one would think that for team sports there would be an exception. But even then, it becomes a case of how one would classify assistant coaches or even the training staff. There will be, assuredly, ample commemoration from USA Basketball, as well as some form of recognition for Spoelstra from the Heat. What will endure is the emotion of that championship moment for Spoelstra, Bam Adebayo and the rest of Team USA on Saturday night in Paris. For now, Erik will have to settle for a trio of NBA championship rings as celebratory baubles, not even the type to flaunt those.
Q: Bronze-medal banner for Nikola Jovic? – Kevin, Lauderhill.
A: Nope. The Heat only honor Heat players who return from the Olympics with gold medals when it comes to banners at Kaseya Center. For example, there is no banner commemorating Dwyane Wade’s bronze from the 2004 Athens Games. But I would think the Heat in some way will commemorate Nikola Jovic’s bronze in Paris during some type of ceremony, perhaps the night that Bam Adebayo’s banner goes to the rafters this coming season for his gold in Paris.
Q: Dwyane Wade was great in Paris. – Paul.
A: Agree. His analysis at the Olympics was on par with his brilliance as a player. I cannot fathom a network, particularly with the impending new NBA television mix, not adding Dwyane Wade as a lead commentator. He was fantastic in Paris with his analysis, humility and humor.
