With the Miami Heat dealing with an ugly 3-6 start to the season, the team is still looking to develop chemistry between Giannis Antetokounmpo and the rest of the team. As the Heat face the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night in an effort to get back on track after the 120-100 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, head coach Erik Spoelstra speaks on a narrative surrounding Antetokounmpo.

If there is one thing for certain through Miami's first nine games, it's that the team is going through an adjustment process to gel Antetokounmpo with Bam Adebayo and also with the rest of the roster. Spoelstra spoke on Sunday before the Kings game about what he ‘hates' about the discussions on fitting Antetokounmpo with others.

“We've worked to try to get him [Adebayo] in spots where he can feel comfortable and more aggressive…We're working on guys feeling comfortable playing with Giannis,” Spoelstra said, via Heat Central on X, formerly Twitter.

“He draws so much attention…yet, I just absolutely hate those discussions right now,” Spoelstra continued. “I'm working with the guys. I've got to be better. We've all got to be better. We're losing games because of our defense, and that has to be our first, second, and third priorities. And then everything else will start to make some progress.”

Coach Spo says he HATES the conversation of trying to fit Bam Adebayo around Giannis Antetokounmpo:

“We worked on trying to get him in spots he can feel comfortable and more aggressive… We’re working on guys feeling comfortable playing with Giannis. He draws so much attention.… https://t.co/H99QLGTIzo pic.twitter.com/dGbQelhalJ

— Heat Central (@TheHeatCentral) November 8, 2026

Heat's Erik Spoelstra on developing deep relationship with newcomers

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As Spoelstra spoke about the Heat's defensive struggles, that has easily been the most head-scratching aspect of the early-season woes with the talent of Antetokounmpo, Adebayo, Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins, and others. So far, Miami is 26th in defensive rating, as while each is an individually exceptional defender in their careers, they have to gel with one another.

Spoelstra spoke about being excited to “develop a deep and real authentic relationship” with Antetokounmpo and the other new faces on the team like Klay Thompson. Highlighting the early struggles, Spoelstra found a bright spot in saying that going through tough times is “when you really get to know somebody.”

The Heat look to get back in the winning column on Sunday night against the Kings.