Pat Riley on Miami Heat: Everybody needs to get a grip
By Bryan Rose
Miami Heat president of basketball operations, Pat Riley, isn’t a happy man these days. As if getting plummeted by the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals wasn’t enough, now the NBA legend is facing constant questions about the impending roster decisions of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Clearly, Riley has had enough.
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Speaking to reporters, Riley suggested that everybody ‘get a grip‘ and that he was, as he referred to, ‘pissed’.
“I’m pissed,” said Riley. ” “I think we need to have a perspective about things. I think everybody needs to get a grip,” he further stated. “We are going to find out what we are made of here. It’s not about options. It’s not about free agency. It’s about what we built here. We have a tremendous opportunity for long term success. But don’t think we won’t get beat again. But just get a grip.”
Why exactly Riley was hot under the collar isn’t really known, though, I’m guessing between the tough loss and bombarding of questions (not to mention the mounting pressure of re-signing James), I’d be a little stressed as well.
As for James, Riley did quickly speak on his franchise player, suggesting that he understands he needs to get away and think about his free agency options. Riley also spoke about Wade, stating that he is “Heat for life” and that he would be very surprised if he was in any uniform but a Miami Heat jersey next season, though hinted the former Marquette star needs to ‘re-invent’ himself.
We’d have to agree.