Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was given the honor of being named one of the 15 greatest coaches in NBA history this past week as part of the NBA's 75th year anniversary festivities this season.

While Spoelstra is undoubted honored to receive the nod alongside some past legends like Red Aurbach and Phil Jackson, as well as some presently active peers in Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich, his offhand reaction was rather surprising.

Via Miami Herald's Barry Jackson:

“Uncomfortable,” described the Heat coach on his top 15 coaching honor.

“I'm pretty awkward and, you know, the essence of coaching is not a list. It's about trying to bring value and be helpful. But it's extremely humbling.”

Spoken like a true coach deserving of making the NBA's top 15 list.

Given the fact that Erik Spoelstra is right in the middle of trying to coach the Miami Heat to another NBA championship nearly a decade after their last one, it makes sense to feel a bit weird on taking on such a lifetime achievement award. The man is just a shade over 50 years old and could quite possibly have 20 more years left in him to coach.

But at the same time, his nomination is also a testament to what he's already achieved as a head coach in this league. He's garnered two NBA titles and five NBA Finals appearances in just 14 seasons as an NBA head coach.

The Heat are truly blessed in the coaching department. Before Erik Spoelstra locked himself into that spot for a while, they had two stints with Pat Riley, who also made the top 15 coaching list, as their play-caller which sandwiched a two-year run with Stan Van Gundy, who's no slouch himself.

That fact isn't lost on Miami Heat icon Dwyane Wade, who reacted to both of his former coaches making the list.

“I always say Pat Riley set the standard, but Coach Spo improved on it,” said Dwyane Wade.

Erik Spoelstra may feel “uncomfortable” with the honor for now, but the Heat coach truly deserves his place in history.