4-Time NBA Champion Explains Difference Between Steve Kerr and Erik Spoelstra

The Miami Heat's Erik Spoelstra and Golden State Warriors' Steve Kerr are easily among the most successful active coaches.

Kerr has won four championships and made five Finals appearances in his decade leading the Warriors. Spoelstra's won two titles and led the Heat to six Finals appearances since taking over in 2008.

Andre Iguodala played for both teams and was a key player in successful playoff runs under both coaches. On The OGs podcast, he shared his perspective on the differences between the two philosophies.

“A lot of the things I do post-career is rooted in Heat Culture,” Iguodala said. “Where it’s like, if you work harder than your opponent, the more likely you’re going to win.

"Now, there are some residuals you gotta watch out for and make sure you cover for because Steve was more carefree and spirit-free; we’re going to come in listening to music and great vibes," Iguodala continued. "Steve is like, I want you to come here happy every single day. Like this should be your escape.”

In contrast, Iguodala thought Heat Culture was more of the opposite. It was hard work, the practices were rarely joyful, and it wasn’t a carefree mentality like in Golden State.

“And the Heat Culture is like, nah, we’re going to make this the hardest possible situation,” Iguodala said. “The game is gonna be easy. We couldn’t wait for the games.

"The game is so much easier than practice," he added. "But one thing about Spo is, he’s probably the most prepared coach I’ve ever seen.”

FORMER NBA PLAYER BELIEVES MIAMI HEAT’S JIMMY BUTLER NO LONGER PLAYING BOTH ENDS

As the Feb. 6 trade deadline approaches, the Heat still seem unwilling to settle for a weaker return for Jimmy Butler.

The Heat have no interest in offering a maximum contract extension due to his consistently missed time in the regular season. Butler turns 36 next season, which means his potential extension of over $100 million would last until he's almost 40. Because of this, many teams haven’t been willing to risk their best packages so far.

Butler will likely play out his final year for the Heat and has at least decided not to cause any more harm to the team to risk another suspension without pay. However, playing beyond coasting through the regular season as he has done yearly for the Heat is unlikely.

On his Club 520 podcast, former NBA player Jeff Teague questioned whether Butler would take an even further step back from playing his complete game for his remaining time with the Heat.

“I think he’s taking a route where he’s just going to play defense so they can’t fine him,” Teague said. “If I’m open, I’ll shoot it. I know Jimmy. I know what he’s doing. He’s like, y’all want to pay me like a third option? I’m going to be your third option.”

In Sunday's against the San Antonio Spurs, Butler finished with eight points, three rebounds, and seven assists on 42.9 percent shooting and missed his only attempt from three-point range.

UDONIS HASLEM PREFERS TO REMAIN SILENT ON MIAMI HEAT-JIMMY BUTLER FEUD

The Miami Heat-Jimmy Butler conflict has continued, and likely reached its final stage, as he plans to meet with Heat owner Micky Arison on Friday ahead of their game against the Denver Nuggets.

Udonis Haslem appeared on NBA Today to discuss the Heat ahead of Friday's game. He is one of several former Heat players who gave their opinions during Butler’s seven-game suspension.

Haslem, as with other ex-Heat players, wanted to remain neutral. Instead of addressing his opinions on Butler, he jokingly started discussing several other players on the Heat and how well they had been doing during the suspension.

“The light I can shed right now is Jaime Jaquez Jr. is averaging 15 points a game right now on this road trip since Jimmy’s been out,” Haslem said. “Niko has been averaging 13 a game as the young guys get a chance to develop.

"But if you think I'm touching that conversation, you have a better chance of wrestling an alligator. I’m staying out of it," Haslem added. That is above my pay grade, and I don’t want none of that smoke.”

Haslem ended the topic regarding Butler specifically by shedding light on a saying the Heat firmly believe in.

“I will say this, guys, there is one thing we do say,” Haslem said. “You’re either in, or you’re out, and there is no in-between.”

Over his last two games, Butler averaged nine points, three rebounds, and three assists on 55 percent shooting and 50 percent from three-point range.

Bryan Townes is a contributor to Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at btownesjr@gmail.com or on X @bryantownesjr11. Follow our coverage on Facebook.