The Heat have hired Shane Battier as their Director of Basketball Development & Analytics, according to a team press release.
“We believe Shane is an incredible example of our Heat program, not only for the present, but also for the future,” team president Pat Riley said. “He embodies everything that we are looking for in our players and staff. We feel he will help us tremendously with his experience and knowledge of the game. Shane is an out-of-the-box thinker and will bring a fresh expertise that can help us evolve as a franchise.”
Battier, who played three seasons in Miami, will be involved with the development of analytics in evaluating talent and that will include college prospects, free agents, and current players, according to the team.
“I am thrilled to be joining the front office of the Miami Heat,” said Battier. “I look forward to working with the Arison family, learning from a Hall of Fame executive in Pat Riley, General Manager Andy Elisburg and of course my old coach, Erik Spoelstra. My goal, as is the entire organizations, is to bring another championship back to Miami.”
This is a really great get for the Heat organization. Shane Batter could do anything he wanted, in my estimation. So it’s really good to get such a smart person back into the organization. He is a winner, and as Riley said, he truly embodies everything the Heat organization stands for. I’m looking forward to seeing the influence he’ll bring, as I think Miami already has one of, if not the best, front offices in the league. We all know how much Shand loves analytics, so this will definitely fit him well. Welcome home, Shane!
Always had the utmost respect for Battier. Very underrated as a player too
Thank goodness he didn’t say ” one day I’m going to call the shots”…then next day “I know I have to learn more before I call the shots”…then ” I understand the owner calls the shots but I’m going to call them later down the road”
Battier is a good hire and a smart guy. I bet the Heat will be able to add a few more wrinkles to their player evaluation process.