After going to the NBA Finals five straight seasons and winning three championships, the Golden State Warriors are on their way to missing the playoffs this season, something Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra can sympathize with.

Following LeBron James' departure from South Beach in the summer of 2014, the Heat went from a championship contender to a mediocre team.

Miami's drop after LeBron left isn't as big as what the Warriors are going through right now, but Spoelstra says the Dubs' down season after being elite for so long is “the way of life in pro sports unless you're the Patriots.”

The New England Patriots, of course, has been a dynasty under Tom Brady and Bill Belichick for seemingly forever.

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It’s going to be a long season for the Warriors. Superstar point guard Stephen Curry is out with a broken hand, All-Star shooting guard Klay Thompson has yet to play due to his ACL tear and power forward Draymond Green has been banged up, as has newcomer D’Angelo Russell.

Golden State has the worst record in the NBA right now at 4-15. Green, Curry and Thompson could use the rest, however.

The three All-Stars have played in five straight Finals, and all of that wear-and-tear can’t be good for the legs. With that said, maybe this season is a blessing in disguise for the Warriors.