Three years ago, Pat Riley tried to convince LeBron James that retooling with Josh McRoberts, as a cog, would help further his championship chances. Two injury-plagued–17 and 42 game–seasons ensued. Now three years later, coach Erik Spoelstra is trying to sell observers on the importance of the 6-foot-10 power forward:
“J-Mac is vital for this group. And I wish that the average fan could see all the intangibles that he brings to the table. He’s super-high IQ. And he’s our best communicator on defense. So he’s a very good team defender. And he knows how to make the game easier his teammates.