Heat's Spoelstra: 'I'd Be Willing to Do Anything for USAB' amid Ty Lue, Kerr Buzz

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra left no doubt as to his desire to continue his duties with the United States men's national team.

"I'd be willing to do anything for USA Basketball," he said to The Athletic's Joe Vardon. "That's how it should be for anybody, for players and for staff members, if you're asked. It's such an honor and such a life experience, so you just do it. You don't want to miss out on those experiences. And I would do any role."

USA Basketball hired Spoelstra in 2021 to be an assistant under Steve Kerr. With Kerr stepping down from the job, promoting him to the top job would be a logical succession plan.

Beyond his experience with Team USA, Spoelstra is a two-time NBA champion with the Heat and is widely regarded as one of the best tacticians in the league.

The 54-year-old has serious competition from Tyronn Lue, though. The Los Angeles Clippers head coach came aboard for USA Basketball in February 2023. He's another highly respected voice who'd provide continuity within the U.S. squad.

Perhaps managing director Grant Hill wants to think outside the box and select a fresh voice to lead the United States into the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Much like how international soccer is handled, there may come a time when USA Basketball hires a coach who focuses full-time on the national team.

According to Vardon, Hill for now "is basking in the glow of Paris gold and has not yet begun the process of selecting Kerr's successor."

In the event Spoelstra is bypassed, it sounds like he'd still be happy to serve as an assistant, and that's a nice luxury to have.