Pat Riley Says A Lot When He Doesn't Say He Won't Return To Coaching

Pat Riley will do whatever it takes to turn the Miami Heat into a dynasty this offseason. He's staked his reputation to this claim and knows full well his actions over the next couple months will have a resounding effect on his legacy in South Florida. 

Riley might already be a member of the Hall of Fame, but if this summer goes badly there will be a very different perception of him in Miami. That may be an unlikely scenario, but its one he's aware of and will do everything in his power to avoid.

When Riley addressed the media on Monday for the first time since the Heat's Game Five series-loss to the Boston Celtics, Riley's plans for the future were not muddled; including returning to the bench.

After praising head coach Eric Spoelstra, Riley was asked whether he would definitely not make another comeback as a coach in the future. His answer said everything that needed to be said about the matter.

"I'll do whatever is in the best interest of building a team here. Period. Whatever it takes, OK? I'll let you fill in the blanks."

"If some free agent were to say, 'I will come here but you must do this,' well, hell, if that happens that day, then i might have to give it some thought."

"To me, it's not important. I will do what's in the best interest of building a team. Whatever it takes." 

Did Riley come out and say he'll return to the bench next season? No. Did he say Eric Spoelstra's job is in jeopardy? No. But he sent out a message not only to the fans, but to every free agent out there. If they want him back on the bench as part of the dynasty, that's exactly what he's going to do. 

For all the good Spoelstra accomplished in his second season, he remains the youngest head coach in the NBA and a man who inspires very little confidence as the boss of a contending roster. 

If he can't maintain control of a second-tier roster like the one Miami boasted last season, how is he supposed to handle the egos and needs of a roster featuring multiple All-Stars? 

If he can't manage close playoff games in his second season, how much faith can be put in him making the proper adjustments in his third season. It may be an unfair deal for Spoelstra, but if Miami is building a dynasty as Riley claims, then there simply isn't time left for a learning curve.

LeBron James, Chris Bosh or Amar'e Stoudemire might have their doubts about Spoelstra, but they certainly wouldn't have any about Riley. He's a Hall of Fame coach with five championship rings to his name and a resume as impressive as almost any coach in the history of the game. 

Its a very real possibility that they won't feel comfortable playing for a coach without significant playoff or championship experience. Riley made it clear as day that those doubts won't come between the Heat and their free agent targets, however. 

When he said he would do whatever it takes, that was much more than a reassurance to fans. It was a bold statement to the players he hopes to land this offseason, a subtle reminder that a coach with more experience than anyone on the market is not only available, he's in-house. 

Its a shame that Eric Spoelsta has to come in the middle of all this, but the NBA is a business, not a charity. And Spo's free ride has come to an end.