Dolphins’ McDaniel discusses relationship with Heat’s Spoelstra, Tua’s camera, more

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel has been a regular at Heat home games during this playoff run and has developed a friendship with coach Erik Spoelstra.

So even though McDaniel grew up in Denver, he suggested he will root for the Heat during the NBA Finals that begin Thursday in Denver.

“I feel so humbled to be able to have the relationship,” McDaniel said. “What screams to me the way he runs the program and what they do is there’s a passion for developing players and coaching and a standard.

“Systematically, when [people] describe Heat culture, they’re talking about a bunch of individuals that are trying to be great. I feel so fortunate; he has to be one of the best professional coaches across all sports.

“For me to have access, to pick his brain, he even throws me a handshake after wins,” McDaniel added. “It’s an unbelievable resource to me in the coaching profession that I feel incredibly fortunate to have.”

Of his allegiances in the Finals matchup, McDaniel said: “Two teams I’ve followed as close as anyone. Someone has to lose. I cheered for the Nuggets forever.

“Stuff I’ve been able to get access to with the Heat coaching staff, getting to know the people, I’ve become extremely invested. So Denver Nuggets, let’s wait 48 years, not 47” to win a title.

McDaniel addressed other issues:

▪ Tua Tagovailoa has been wearing a camera during practice; McDaniel said that’s common and the device also has audio capability.

“It’s a tool for all quarterbacks to drive home certain coaching points and see what they’re seeing to be on the same page as the player, something you can see from his side eye,” McDaniel said.

▪ McDaniel said the player who could essentially replace Mike Gesicki’s role in the offense could be a wide receiver, as opposed to a tight end.

“There are some opportunities within the offense to put your imprint on your career and for the team,” he said, in the wake of Gesicki signing with New England earlier this offseason.

“There’s a lot of competition. I’m most excited to see who wins it. There are several capable candidates who can catch the ball really well — all the offensive skill positions. There’s a good amount of talent.”

Receivers Robbie Chosen and Erik Ezukanma are two options for that role; tight ends Eric Saubert and Elijah Higgins are among other options. Ideally, the Gesicki replacement would have size and the ability to be seam and red zone receiving threats.

▪ Why are the Dolphins using only six of their 10 permitted OTA sessions?

“Everyone benefits with a bone here and there,” McDaniel said, noting the players can be supremely focused in a limited number of offseason sessions.

▪ McDaniel, on the $13.6 million in additional cap space that the Dolphins will get on Thursday, when Byron Jones’ contract comes off the books:

“We typically do everything we can to have the best team possible within the guidelines of the salary cap. Not sure where, but I feel confident to say we will make good use of that salary cap room when it comes to the start of the regular season.”

▪ The Dolphins will practice in Houston, against the Texans, for a few days before their preseason game on Aug. 19.

“That’s a young, hungry team that will afford us an opportunity to get better during training camp,” McDaniel said. “It gives newness to it. You get different players you have to go against and subtle schematic nuances that are different.”

▪ On how rookie second-rounder Cam Smith and third-rounder De’Von Achane are doing in OTAs: “Both have done exactly what’s been asked of them. There’s so much going on for rookies. You forget you’re joining a team that has established players.

“I see from those two guys that have deep down self-confidence that the minor hiccups in the short term aren’t really affecting them, which is something you look for in young players. So far, so good. You have to win over your teammates, at least with the Dolphins. I’m happy with what they’ve produced.”

▪ McDaniel declined to say if left tackle Terron Armstead had foot surgery, out of respect to players’ privacy.

But McDaniel said: “He’s had his fill of watching practice. Look forward to seeing him in training camp. I haven’t been given any reason to have any reservations” about his availability for the season.