Report: Heat debunk Sergio Scariolo interest

Sergio Scariolo Heat — Reports surfaced Monday morning that the Miami Heat were interested in adding Sergio Scariolo as an assistant. (Photo Courtesy of the ACB)

Heading into this offseason, there was some discussion–from myself included–about whether Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra would shake up his coaching staff amid a third-straight mediocre season with another bottom-third offense.

Obviously, the team’s talent–or lack thereof–plays a huge part in its shortcomings. But on Monday morning, the first indication that Spoelstra was looking for a new voice felt real.

EuroHoops reported that the Heat have expressed interest in adding respected international coach Sergio Scariolo, who last coached in the NBA as an assistant with the Toronto Raptors from 2018-21.

However, those rumors appeared to be short-lived. According to Heat insider Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, he’s not in consideration for any gig, despite it being reported by multiple international outlets that he was expected to fly out this week to meet with them.

“Eurohoops reported Monday the Heat has expressed interest in adding Sergio Scariolo to its coaching staff,” Chiang wrote. “But a source close to the Heat denied that report, stating that Scariolo is not a candidate for a Heat coaching position.”

Scariolo, 64, has won four EuroBasket titles, one World Cup, one EuroCup, an Italian League championship and two Spanish League Championships, among others. He’s been the Spanish National Team head coach since 2015, his second stint with them (first was 2009-12).

This report surfaced not long before ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania listed the two finalists for the Phoenix Suns’ head coaching gig–and neither was Heat associate head coach Chris Quinn. Did that have an influence?

Chiang noted that there could still be a “reshuffling of the Heat’s coaching staff,” despite Quinn not getting the Suns’ job. After all, assistant Kasib Powell departed to be on the Golden State Valkryie’s (WNBA) coaching staff. Technically, there’s still an opening.

Do you think Spoelstra should shuffle up his coaching staff? Do you think he ultimately will? Let us know in the comments below!