Channing Frye proclaims Erik Spoelstra is still the best coach in the NBA

With the first month of the NBA season in the rearview mirror, there's a team that has surprised everyone, and it's no other than the Miami Heat. The Heat, who currently have a record of 13-6 and are sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference, are on a six-game winning streak. Analysts like Channing Frye, Kendrick Perkins and Richard Jefferson are crediting the team's success to Erik Spoelstra, who they believe is reminding the world that he's the best coach in basketball.

"Spoelstra is the best coach right now in the NBA. I think what he does is he sees his team and says, 'What is best for us? What is best for the future? How can I add? You don't need to give me elite talent, just give me guys that buy in,'"said Frye.

Spo doing work

A considerable part of the Heat's early success has been their team defense, which ranks second overall in the league. They also average the most points per game (123.9) and rank third best in rebounding and assists. Despite having no star player outside of Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, Spoelstra has brought out the best in the likes of Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and the rest of the crew.

According to Frye, Spoelstra's ability to turn average players into high-caliber contributors, as well as how he's able to let the team's system bring out the best in them, is what sets him apart from the 29 other coaches.

"Look at everyone's success: Norman Powell, obviously Tyler Herro, Bam, they developed their young guys and guys are patient and buy in the roles. If you look around the league, that's now what's becoming the norm instead of going and getting all these stars and then building around a star. It's like you have your system and add pieces that you need," Frye added.

800 wins for Spo

Coincidentally, Wednesday night's Heat win against the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Cup was Spo's 800th of his career, making him the 17th coach in NBA history to win that many games and only the third to do so with one team alongside Gregg Popovich and Jerry Sloan. Spo's achievement is remarkable considering that he started as a video coordinator in 1995 and worked his way up the ranks.

"It hasn't sunk in yet because I wasn't aware of it. It's fitting that it comes on the eve of Thanksgiving," Spoelstra saidabout his 800th win. "I just feel incredible gratitude for this organization and all of these years. I'm having a hell of a time. I love what I do, I love coaching, I love this profession, I love working for this organization, I love working for, and with, amazing players and staff -- too many to count over the years."

With Spoelstra once again showing why he's regarded as the league's best coach, he's positioned to chase the one accolade he hasn't claimed yet: Coach of the Year. If the Heat sustain this strong opening stretch, he'll be firmly in the mix.

Related: Erik Spoelstra reveals the genesis of Heat's league-best offense: "The most embarrassing thing I've ever been a part of"

This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Nov 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.