[ WE VIDEO ] - Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra Says Wizards Have 'Great Future; Coached Well'

Just before the East and West All-Stars were set for their afternoon practice session, we found a moment to catch up with Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra as well as Dywane Wade to get their thoughts on the state of our Washington Wizards.

Spoelstra, who has coached the Heat to two consecutive NBA Finals appearances and a championship last season, was quick to suggest the Wizards were in great shape looking forward.

“I think they have a great future. I think they have great young talent and they’re coached well. They need that elusive thing called ‘time’ and patience’.”

Meanwhile, Wade also shared positive sentiments about the young, upcoming Wiz Kids. When asked what the Wizards need to do to climb up the division in the second half of the season, Wade responded with “health.”

“They’ve been playing well, especially ever since John Wall came back. He adds a dimension to that team that’s remarkable. They just need to stay healthy.”

Wade also mentioned the growth of Bradley Beal and the impact of Nene and Emeka Okafor as factors for the Wizards’ recent success.

Wade and his Heat were stunned by a Wall-less 1-13 Wizards team earlier this season at the Verizon Center, losing 105-101.A

Excerpts from both interviews below…