The Heat have filled Howard’s spot with the hiring of former Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Malik Allen, the former Heat player. Still, a vacancy from previous shuffling remains on Erik Spoelstra’s bench. But Riley recognized that Haslem also has created a rich life away from the court, with several South Florida enterprises, including an Aventura restaurant he operates with Wade. “He wants to buy pizza franchises and stuff,” Riley said. “There’s nothing wrong with that either.”
Erik Spoelstra Rumors
Tim Reynolds: Tyler Herro was a Heat fan growing up, and got drafted 13th overall on the 13th anniversary of Miami’s first title. “Maybe 13 is the magic number there,” Erik Spoelstra said.
It looks like the Heat will turn to one of its former players to fill out Erik Spoelstra’s coaching staff. With Juwan Howard moving on to become the head coach at the University of Michigan, a league source confirmed that Malik Allen is expected to soon be hired by the Heat to fill Howard’s spot as an assistant coach on Spoelstra’s staff. Allen, who turns 41 on June 27, spent this past season as an assistant coach with the Timberwolves, and he remained on Minnesota’s staff this offseason even after a coaching change was made from Tom Thibodeau to Ryan Saunders.
Tim Reynolds: Spoelstra statement: “Juwan is an absolute star as a person, player and coach. I feel he is more than ready. He is a terrific leader and mentor, which translates very well to the collegiate level. … He will forever be a champion and part of the Heat family.”
