Heat's Spoelstra vows to 'quiet all the distractions' after Butler suspension, says, 'I'm not a clickbait type of coach'
Published in Basketball
MIAMI — Moments after the Miami Heat said Saturday that coach Erik Spoelstra would not comment on the seven-game team suspension issued Friday to forward Jimmy Butler, Spoelstra on Saturday commented on the situation prior to his team’s game against the Utah Jazz at Kaseya Center.
“I know there’s been a lot over the last 48 hours that has happened,” Spoelstra opened. “We’re just going to focus on tonight, want to quiet all the distractions. Enough has been said.
“We have clarity and we’re just going to focus on this group in the locker room, that’s what I want them to focus on. We can quiet the noise as much as possible.”
Spoelstra offered his comments less than 24 hours after the Heat issued a statement that read:
“We have suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks. Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team.
“Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers.”
While Butler had offered postgame comments in the wake of Thursday night’s home loss to the Indiana Pacers that focused on how he was being limited by Spoelstra, Spoelstra said there would be no retort.
“I’m not a clickbait type of coach,” Spoelstra said, “so you’re not going to get anything else really from me.”
Butler has appealed the seven-game sanction without pay.
“We have a task to do,” Spoelstra continued. “The guys are excited about this game, coming off a tough game the other night.
“You have to deal with a lot of different things in this association.”
The Heat are well-versed in going without Butler, with Butler having missed 22 games last season, 10 this season prior to the suspension.
“Look,” Spoelstra said, “we have a group in here that has a lot of versatility. We have a lot of depth. I plan on using it. We’ve had a bunch of games with this group, and we have to find what works to win games. And that’s my task, that’s our task.”
For now, Spoelstra said there would not be a definitive replacement lineup.
“I’m not ready to commit to that right now,” he said. “We’ll do this by a night-by-night basis right now and then we’ll see. We’ll do whatever’s necessary.”
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