Pat Riley's press conference is on ESPN. He trashed the 80s Celtics and Lakers, the Bulls, and the 00s Lakers and Spurs. Dude is going in
Riley admitted that Wade and Spoelstra will have to "reinvent". Also, Wade is a "Heat for life"; would be surprised if he's in a new uniform <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Riley: "I'm not dropping championship rings on the table for those guys. They can drop their own."</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479644928813699072">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Riley's presser has been great, seems to be challenging LeBron to return. Would think LBJ would be more impressed by a center, point guard.</p>— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Feigen/statuses/479645109651120128">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> LOL, Feigen is awesome
Pat Riley press conference Spoiler <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Pat Riley: "Want to trend something? I'm pissed. So go ahead, get it out there." Kidding.</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479640864692518912">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Pat Riley: "i think everybody needs to get a grip. Media, Heat players, organization, all of our fans. You got to get a grip."</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479640998956384257">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley now running through all the great Lakers, Celtics, Bulls that didn't win every year.</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479641211834089472">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley: "This stuff is hard. And you go to stay together, if you got the guts. And you don't find the first door and run out of it."</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479641408341430272">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley compares it to a Broadway show that ran out of steam. "And we need to retool, we don't need to rebuild."</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479641578097491969">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>"What really cements a forever bond is going through what we did this year and staying the course." -Pat Riley</p>— Joseph Goodman (@JoeGoodmanJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeGoodmanJr/statuses/479641870872485888">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley angry, points to times his Lakers didn't win, "We didn't find the first door and run."</p>— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) <a href="https://twitter.com/IraHeatBeat/statuses/479642106957275136">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley: "What happened last year with San Antonio? They run or did they face it? We're going to find out what we're made of here."</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479642175609643008">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley, "We're going to find out what we're made of here. It's not about options. It's not about free agency."</p>— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) <a href="https://twitter.com/IraHeatBeat/statuses/479642249311965184">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley: "It's just looking around the room now and finding out who is going to stand up."</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479642312482377729">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley had exit meetings w/ players. "I had kisses all over my face when we won. Yesterday, it was just a handshake."</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479642929472888832">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>"I don't take anything away about LeBron had to say. He has to get away and he has to think about it," - Riley said.</p>— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpearsNBAYahoo/statuses/479643545775505409">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley: "I didn't come down here 19 years ago for a quick trip to South Beach and a sun tan. And I don't think they did either."</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479643617183555584">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley calls Wade "a great champion and a Miami Heat for life."</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479643812784918529">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley talking about how Heat players and organization are judged more harshly than other players and organizations.</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479644129211588608">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley on Wade: It's time to take heed on what the Spurs did last year. They went home and looked at themselves.</p>— Joseph Goodman (@JoeGoodmanJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeGoodmanJr/statuses/479644219204571136">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley says "it's an insult" to criticize a guy in Wade "who has made magic for us."</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479644278704971776">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley on Wade: "Does he have to reinvent himself a little bit? Yes he does."</p>— Joseph Goodman (@JoeGoodmanJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeGoodmanJr/statuses/479644387995955202">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley on Spoelstra: "Does he have to reinvent himself? That's a nice word. Yes he does."</p>— Joseph Goodman (@JoeGoodmanJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeGoodmanJr/statuses/479644502848585729">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley said, without any specific knowledge, that he would be very surprised if Wade isn't with Heat next season.</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479644612194086912">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley on the word 'narrative': "If you use it more than once in a news conference, you don't have a good vocabulary."</p>— Joseph Goodman (@JoeGoodmanJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeGoodmanJr/statuses/479644730288918528">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley: "I'm not dropping championship rings on the table for those guys. They can drop their own."</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479644928813699072">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley: Do I feel any pressure? No…I don't think I need to recruit Dwyane and Chris and LeBron.</p>— Joseph Goodman (@JoeGoodmanJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeGoodmanJr/statuses/479645030110347265">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley doesn't want to talk about money and restructuring contracts, but does say Arison will do what it takes to get Big 3 back.</p>— Joseph Goodman (@JoeGoodmanJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeGoodmanJr/statuses/479645196926193664">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>"Mickey (Arison) will do anything to get those guys to come back," Riley said. Riley added its "BS" to think Arison won't pay luxury tax.</p>— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpearsNBAYahoo/statuses/479645344414711809">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley says that the Big Three said they wanted Miller & Haslem in 2010. And Riley made moves based on that.</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479645377079963648">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Pat Riley now putting it on the players to make concessions financially to build the team.</p>— Joseph Goodman (@JoeGoodmanJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeGoodmanJr/statuses/479645479253196801">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley on free agency: “We’re prepared. We have the main thing all written up and it’s dependent on July 1.”</p>— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/statuses/479645852634714113">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley: "I think the team needs to be layered with some young guys." Mentioning James Ennis.</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479645874306306049">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley says "there's a lot of flexibility" no matter what the Big 3 do.</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479645972717244417">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley says that the Miller move was made "because of extreme duplication at Mike's position." And to clear contract for THIS year.</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479646211155058688">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley referred to everyone going somewhere else as his "worst nightmare."</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479646629654298625">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley said M. Miller amnesty & J. Anthony trade were because of roster duplication & not to save $. Simply, LeBron didn't see it that way</p>— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/WindhorstESPN/statuses/479646834550251520">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley says he's not sure if Ray Allen wants to come back.</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479647036149469185">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley on Allen: "We probably asked a little bit too much of him."</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479647129443373056">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley: "The four years we've had here with LeBron, we hope turns into another eight or 10."</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479647439100465152">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley: "I love LeBron. He knows that. He knows about how we feel about him. But he's a winner." Talks about giving LeBron time.</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479647620088872960">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley: "However we can keep these guys together…whatever it takes we're ready for."</p>— Joseph Goodman (@JoeGoodmanJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeGoodmanJr/statuses/479648007789371392">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley: "I guarantee there will be other players wanting to come down here. Who they are, we'll find out."</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479648632962953220">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley calls the talk about a 4th star "a pipedream," .... "but everybody thought 2010 was a pipedream."</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479648713720082432">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley says Wade doesn't have a debilitating injury that would force him to retire.</p>— Joseph Goodman (@JoeGoodmanJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeGoodmanJr/statuses/479649470657744896">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley on Wade coming off bench: "That's not been discussed. You'll probably have to get in a room with boxing gloves to discuss that."</p>— Joseph Goodman (@JoeGoodmanJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeGoodmanJr/statuses/479649699771600899">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley says most players talked about being "mentally fatigued." .... "I don't accept it."</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479649799839297538">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley using tough love approach today. "They should all sit down and have a conversation with Bill Russell."</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479650022288404481">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley calling idea of physical, mental strain of reaching four-straight Finals nonsense. "Welcome to the NBA and world championship bball."</p>— Joseph Goodman (@JoeGoodmanJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeGoodmanJr/statuses/479650127133409280">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley on Greg Oden: "There was a severe back injury that knocked him out."</p>— Joseph Goodman (@JoeGoodmanJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeGoodmanJr/statuses/479650435540602880">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley: "Mario, God bless him, we don't win a championship last year without his Game 6 and 7 performance."</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479651488638050305">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley talking about how Spurs got better from "within the organization," not by adding much other than Belinelli.</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479652223526260736">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Pat Riley on Kawhi Leonard: "The bloom's off the rose, man."</p>— Joseph Goodman (@JoeGoodmanJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeGoodmanJr/statuses/479652383685750786">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley: "I still prefer the in-prime veteran who wants to move here…and still have an impact on the team."</p>— Joseph Goodman (@JoeGoodmanJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeGoodmanJr/statuses/479652667187163138">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley refers to relationship with LeBron as a "texting relationship.... a short meeting in the hallway" relationship. "He knows I love him."</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479652973400715264">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley says his last meeting with LeBron was good, "but he was restless. He wanted to get out of town with his family."</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479653246936420353">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley on Big 3 coming back: "I'm an Irish guy that believes in big dreams. I'm optimistic. Until that's proven different..."</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479653450565705728">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley just reveals what's been long-rumored. "Savannah's gonna have a little baby girl."</p>— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJSkolnick/statuses/479653596682657792">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Riley on keeping LeBron: "I'm optimistic.There isn't a better place for players to be than Miami."</p>— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/WindhorstESPN/statuses/479653714722971648">June 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
When asked about the big three returning, Riley referenced his Irish optimism and the family connections in Miami (weddings, kids, etc) Not surprised
If Wade isn't restructuring his contract and take a lesser role (fairly lesser role), Lebron isn't going to stay. It's obvious Wade isn't on that level anymore. Bosh has to be a clear 2nd option. And they have to add more shooting to surround Lebron.
Riley's a senile old man. It worked for a couple of years but if they want to keep bringing in retreads and reclamation projects and they'll keep on falling short of a championship.
Man there sure is a lot of tension in the words out of Miami for a group that is "definitely staying together" as most media people see it. Bosh talked about the situation not being fun last year. Lebron talked about it in the most sterile way he could. Riley is combative as hell about it all. I'm moving more to the camp that thinks the Big 3 is about to be blown up.
Riles definitely have to do his best salesman job since 2010 to get this team to stay together just because of "loyalty" and "family". LeBron's got, what, 4-5 years left of elite basketball left in him? He can't afford to take a risk on Miami turning things around if he's chasing Jordan's 6 rings. And Riley trying to compare Miami to last year's Spurs?
He said he preferred "veterans in their prime" over getting young guys. So he's of the mindset that the other 29 teams are his D-league farm system. He'd wait for the players to develop and than snatch them for his own use. I am guessing he got this from his Lakers days, because that's exactly what the Lakers organization have been thinking over the last 3 decades.
Once again, it's because Miami is a nice freaking place to live. I think LeBron likes Miami the city above all, even winning. He will keep his faith in Riley because it's so nice in Miami.
Spurs big 3 aren't 3 max contract guys. It's going to be so much harder for the Heat to retool because of that and how they've relied on ring chasing min salaried vets.
Riley will sugar coat this any which way he wants...but Wade will never ever regain his form as an NBA elite. He just wont...Bosh, may be able to give a little bit more, but 1-2 years max. Allen's clock is much like on Tim Duncan, never no when its gonna expire. Lebron "witnessed" how his team played throughout the season and the playoffs...Chalmers, Cole Birdman, Battier(retiree), Haslem all have significantly regressed. Their talents didnt help them achieve a finals appearance...it was Lebron's superhuman effort to carry them towards the finish line only to get trampled on by a well oiled machine. The competition Lebron's Heat faced in a pathetic Eastern Conference has essentially destroyed the will of the team to get better. They've taken plays off, and dialed back their energy...we all expected something better from them once they got to the finals, but bad habits were already ingrained. The truth is once you "get a grip" of the situation in Miami, you really want no part of it...
Since the motivation of a 3peat is gone for the Heat....perhaps Riley can sell the "being in the finals 5 or more consecutive times", how many teams have done that? At the same time still have the chance of more multiple rings. I still think Heat would be the best place for him for his legacy and chance of another ring (don't want to hear Wade is washed up...was Durant washed up against the Memphis game?) We all know, Lebron is just playing mainly now for his legacy since his climbed the top of "current best player" and his almost over is peak years at 30. I would be happier if Lebron came to Houston, but im a realist....if I was Lebron, the smart move is to stay with Miami...chemistry does not happen overnight
Wow. Riley is pretty sly. He's blowing up the situation so LeBron would look like a complete asshat if he happened to leave. I'd be a bit insulted if I were Bron, Wade, and Bosh. Riley is challenging their legacies instead of trying to motivate them.
Riley made a real power move, he just has to hope he hasn't ticked off Lebron to the point that he wants to call Riley on his position in spite of the potential PR hit. Calling out Lebron can both work to his advantage and backfire. And it still doesn't fix the fact that the Heat has no cap space, no picks, no young talent, and a really crappy development program for their young players. Still think Lebron stands pat, but Riley is playing a dangerous game. I suspect the soft sell would work better with a guy like Lebron than trying to call him out.
