VIA: Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra preferred to focus on the time spent with LeBron James.
On Tuesday, he commented for the first time since James decided to leave the organization so he could return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Spoelstra, speaking after the Heat's summer-league loss to the Washington Wizards, said he had no ill feelings toward James and his decision to bolt after four seasons in Miami.
"He seemed at peace with the decision," Spoelstra said. "We don't have any regrets. He shouldn't have any regrets. It was a historic four-year run."
The move caught the Heat brass by surprise. James exited despite leading Miami to the NBA Finals four straight years, winning twice. His departure left the Heat scrambling to rebuild a roster via free agency that included the additions of Josh McRoberts, Danny Granger and Luol Deng. They also re-signed Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, who both opted out of their contracts with hopes of luring James to stay.
Last Friday, James revealed his time was up in South Florida.
"This league does teach you that it's inevitable that there's constant change and you always have to continue to embrace change, adapt with change," Spoelstra said. "This is a big, monumental change that we didn't necessarily anticipate but you have to respect it because when you're a free agent in this league you have the right to make a decision that's best for you and your family. When he made that decision that was best for his family, where his heart is, all you can do from our side is respond with respect and love."
The Heat were in panic-mode for about "two or three" hours after the decision. Spoelstra met with team President Pat Riley and General Manager Andy Elisburg to discuss their options. He described it as a scene from the movie Jerry Maguire, with each making countless phone calls to agents and players on their cell phones.
"Probably, we were all in Pat's office about five minutes just to collect ourselves and then from there it was madness," Spoelstra said. "The board was right there. So we said we better get to work and we didn't leave until after 1 in the morning."
Initially, there was panic because they received no response on the phones. They could finally relax once Bosh returned a call. It was then Spoelstra realized things would calm. Eventually, they were able to exhale.
"We were talking to agents, trying to talk our guys, texting our guys and no one was getting back to us," Spoelstra said. "There were two or three hours of a lot of uneasiness. We had no idea. From that point on, it just changed. It's still the Miami Heat, still a great, proven organization, great opportunities and we started to get some calls back and the first one was CB. That one was obviously very important."
Spoelstra said he's yet to speak with James. At some point, the two plan to talk once everything settles.
"I'm sure there will be a time for that," Spoelstra said. "Again, you forge bonds through competitions and through great experiences like we've had. There will be a time for that. My message wouldn't be any different whenever that time comes."
Even though it was unexpected, the Heat handled the situation easier because of a backup plan. They met with all the new acquisitions before James' announcement, needing just two days to agree to terms with Deng.
"I didn't really try to anticipate one way or another," Spoelstra said. "Pat and I were flying around trying to meet with players as much as we could. Then when we came back, Pat and Andy were able to have a meeting [with James]. The meeting went well and then everything happened pretty quickly on Friday."
Spoelstra said he needs more time before beginning to piece together strategy for the revamped roster. This was the first time he could think basketball after spending the previous two weeks dealing with personnel matters.
"It is early for that," Spoelstra said. "I just got here. I'll start the process meeting with my staff and discussing basketball coaching and team-related issues. The last three days it's been all personnel. It was important. The organization showed that we got right to work, rolled up the sleeves. Pat was terrific. He didn't rest in three days. Those were an important three days."
srichardson@tribune.com
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