Former Miami Heat Guard Norris Cole On The Team: "Everybody Can't Play For The Heat"

Anthony Pasciolla | Apr 8, 2024

Dec 10, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Miami Heat guard Norris Cole (30) during the game against the Denver; Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports / Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat champion Norris Cole spent four seasons with the team, meaning he had plenty of time to experience all the organization has to offer.

And Cole is sure the Heat's environment isn't for everyone. The two-time NBA champion recently appeared on 'The OGs Podcast' with Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller, where he explained why the team's culture is different.

"In my mind, I'm like, I know what it takes to win, and winning is not, quote, unquote fun all the time. It's fun when you win, that's the fun part. The process of getting to that fun is not always fun," Cole said. "When I left Miami and, you know, played in other places, you know, went overseas, and things like that, I had to realize like everybody can't play for the Heat."

Haslem was in full agreement with Cole on his remark about the Heat's intensity. His first NBA tenure came in Miami, where he spent four seasons alongside LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. He averaged 7.6 points and 3.4 assists on 41.2 percent shooting in his best year with the team, acting as an off-the-bench contributor in their title runs.

'Heat Culture' is a term often associated with the era led by superstar Jimmy Butler for their unexpected postseason runs as well as their ability to develop under the radar prospects. The part that Cole brought to light highlights the effort required to find extensive success.

Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or on Instagram @anthony.pasciolla