Miami Heat head coach and Houston Rockets rookie Jalen Green crossed paths at the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend in Cleveland.
Spoelstra, who was named as one of the league's 15 greatest coaches, shared that he plans to make another visit to the Philippines to hold a special camp, and he is hoping Green could be a part of it.
"I wanted to make sure that I bumped into [Jalen] at some point this weekend and just say Mabuhay. I wanna get something going again in the Philippines," Spoelstra said at the All-Star Media Day on Sunday (PHT).
"I would love to have him involved and you know, as many other players we can get over there and have some fun - Jordan [Clarkson] and even Dwyane [Wade] told me he wants to come over as well... We'll figure this all out."
In 2011, Spoelstra went to the Philippines and spearheaded the NBA FIT program by conducting clinics for kids.
Green was also glad he bumped into Spoelstra during the midseason spectacle, saying he would love to join an event for Filipinos.
"That was my first time really meeting [Spoelstra]. We just talked about the Philippines a little bit. That would be cool - aNy chance that we can go back to the Philippines and support that community, I think we should take full advantage of it. We got a lot of fans out there, supporters, and we want to show the love back," he said.
Green, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, is averaging 14.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists in his first year with the Rockets. Spoelstra praised the Rockets rookie and said he believes Green's future is bright.
“What a great kid, amazing talent, and he has an incredible future ahead of him,” said Spoelstra.
Both Green and Spoelstra participated in the All-Star festivities. Green competed in the Clorox Rising Stars Challenge and AT&T Slam Dunk Contest. Spoelstra, on the other hand, was the head coach of Team Durant in the All-Star Game.
