Giannis Antetokounmpo admitted that his perception of Erik Spoelstra changed after joining the Miami Heat, describing the head coach as supportive, caring and honest after previously viewing him as a much tougher figure from the opposing side.
“I think he is a great coach. The little interactions I have had with him, he is an amazing human being. I am excited to play for him,” Antetokounmpo said on Thanalysis Show hosted by his brother Thanasis, via HoopsHype.
The two-time NBA MVP explained that he had viewed Spoelstra differently when playing against Miami.
“I had a very different perception of him while I was being on the other team. I felt like he was very militant and very tough and maybe bordering like an asshole and pushes his players,” Antetokounmpo said.
His impression has changed since joining the Heat.
“But now I feel like he is very supportive, caring, honest. They say that he lets you go, he lets you be yourself and play and do what you really do. He fills you up with confidence,” Antetokounmpo added.
Miami acquired Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster trade finalized on July 6. The deal sent Tyler Herro, Bobby Portis, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, Kel’el Ware, the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and additional future draft capital to Milwaukee.
Antetokounmpo joins a Miami roster led by Bam Adebayo, with Andrew Wiggins, Klay Thompson and Tim Hardaway Jr. among the team’s additions or returning players. The Heat are building around the former Milwaukee star after finishing the 2025-26 season with a 43-39 record and losing to Charlotte in the play-in tournament.
The 31-year-old forward averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 36 games for Milwaukee during the 2025-26 regular season, shooting 62.4% from the field. He has averaged 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and five assists across 895 regular-season NBA games.
