Miami Heat: Pat Riley Finally Takes Suit And Defends His All-Star Trio Decision
After allowing his All-Star trio to be made a mockery of for more than a month, Pat Riley finally fired back. Today Riley finally spoke-up on all the hate that has been spewed over the Miami Heat off-season dealings.
With everything from LeBron James’ competitive nature too Pat Riley’s credibility being questioned, many wondered why Riley wasn’t quicker to speak out. Generally when Riley speaks, people shut-up too listen. His voice carries more weight than any party that has chosen to speak on the Miami’s dealing, David Stern being the only one other held in a higher esteem.
In giving his first extensive take on all the Heat-haters, Riley made sure his points where clear and straight to the point.
Riley addressed the comments of NBA Hall of Famer and current TNT analyst Charles Barkley.
"Charles Barkley, to me, went way over the top," Riley said. "I think Charles is probably the only guy in the league that can get away with what he gets away with. Calling these guys a bunch of punks is a personal attack. LeBron isn't that. Dwyane is not, and neither is Chris."
I think it's safe to say Riley doesn't hold Barkley's comments in high regards.
Riley also focused on the comments made by members of the Orlando Magic organization. Particularly those of team GM Otis Smith and Magic coach Stan Van Gundy.
Smith had spoken about how the "great ones" do it on their own and "usually stay in one location." Riley seemed to take offense to the remarks and replied in a manner that suggested Smith had struck a nerve.
"I thought that was an absolutely stupid remark," Riley said. "He never made any kind of comment like that when he signed Rashard Lewis."
He then turned to his former protégé that took over for him when he originally stepped away from coaching the Heat.
"Stan's out there making comments about Chris Bosh being a lap dog to Dwyane Wade," Riley said. "I don't know what happened to some of these guys along the way."
Riley seemed to take particular offense with how members of the NBA community rather than that of those who have never been apart of the league, which makes a lot of sense when one truly thinks about it. He commented on why he felt such.
"I take a little bit of umbrage from some of the things that came from people in our game," he said. "I think all these people should get a life. Most of it has been silly, absolutely silly."
He also commented on how proud he was of his players handling all the criticism.
"In the end," he said, "they're the ones, all three of them, that showed a real world-class personality. They took the hit, and now they're ready to compete."
Riley also addressed the lofty expectations that have been cast upon LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.
"I don't think there's anything wrong in having the great anticipation. And I think that's one of the keys to developing tremendous enthusiasm. The scarlet letter has been placed on their back for some reason. These guys are going to have to develop a resolve second to none maybe in the history of the NBA."
One can't help but wonder why Riley has chosen to speak on the issue after remaining mute for most of the pass two months. It could’ve been because he was busy trying to finish shaping his roster. Or it could’ve been because he wanted to test the resolve of his trio, LeBron James in particular.
We all know that Riley is a guy that will trade anyone. He has who he wanted most; Wade and Bosh. Had LeBron shown any cracks in his armor, Riley knows what he can get for him in the trade market come December.
That’s not to say that Riley wants to move LeBron or has even entertained such an idea. Only to reiterate that he’s a Wade fan above anything and everything. One would be crazy not to entertain the thought that Riley believes that he can win with just Wade, Bosh and a bunch of proven talent.
Anyway, I can’t wait to see what good old Chuck has to say in response of Riley’s phone interview. I’m sure it’ll be the dumbest thing ever heard to date.
Special thanks to the Sun-Sentinel for the comments provided in the interview.
