Pat Riley is driving the salt truck

[czvo]

To this day, I will always believe the scorched Earth presser Riley held was the final straw for LeBron. He may have been leaning toward leaving, but when Riley went nuclear after the season, that was it. LeBron had just dragged that team to the finals for the fourth straight year, and then watched as the supporting cast deteriorated around him, while he played to his standard MVP-level. For Riley to go into that presser and basically challenge LeBron to return (and also reveal that Savannah was pregnant, which was a HUGE breach of trust), was probably taken as a slap in the face.

 

[spydy13]

To this day, I will always believe the scorched Earth presser Riley held was the final straw for LeBron. He may have been leaning toward leaving, but when Riley went nuclear after the season, that was it. LeBron had just dragged that team to the finals for the fourth straight year, and then watched as the supporting cast deteriorated around him, while he played to his standard MVP-level. For Riley to go into that presser and basically challenge LeBron to return (and also reveal that Savannah was pregnant, which was a HUGE breach of trust), was probably taken as a slap in the face.

Windy was on SVP and Russilo today and said that this was a huge sign that Riley never "got" LeBron or was close enough with him to know how to motivate him to stay.

I'll say on my end that as soon as I saw that presser I thought LeBron had a really good chance of leaving. Riley was so classless.

 

[ssopata]

Riley is just hurt that James treated him like he did the Cavs back in '10. Riley is so used to everyone bowing down to him and never dealt with an athlete that wields the type of power that James has.

I'm sure when James delayed their Vegas meeting to watch Wotld Cup, Riley saw the writing on the wall. No coincidence that the morning of the announcement there were reports of The Letter being a hurdle between James and a return to CLE. Riley's desperate attempt to save face

 

[godfather]

Your example of a hypocrite. God forbid the world doesn't revolve around you and your ego, Pat.

 

[AZCavs]

Couldn't happen to a more deserving scumbag in the NBA. He was an amazing coach and a very good front office exec, but if the big 3 don't come together on their own, then Spo is unemployed and Riley is likely on a yacht just south of France.

When World Wide Wes isn't there to orchestrate shit for him, he has struggled. Terrible at drafting. Questionable free agent contracts (again, outside of the big three) and complete disregard for assets to the point where he has very little to work with going forward.

Knowing his luck, they'll get a top three pick and land a great building block and that will somehow support the "Riley is a genius" narrative for the majority of casual fans out there.

 

[ssopata]

Couldn't happen to a more deserving scumbag in the NBA. He was an amazing coach and a very good front office exec, but if the big 3 don't come together on their own, then Spo is unemployed and Riley is likely on a yacht just south of France.

When World Wide Wes isn't there to orchestrate shit for him, he has struggled. Terrible at drafting. Questionable free agent contracts (again, outside of the big three) and complete disregard for assets to the point where he has very little to work with going forward.

Knowing his luck, they'll get a top three pick and land a great building block and that will somehow support the "Riley is a genius" narrative for the majority of casual fans out there.

I re-read the Woj article from July 2010 outlining how the Big 3 came together and it stated that Riley didnt care about developing players or drafting. He's all into trades and FA signings to get better, doesnt believe in rebuilds
Wonder how his presser calling out James last June, losing James, and now this outburst affects how a FA sees the Heat and their front office. Not forgetting how Arison wouldnt go above the luxury tax to keep Miller.

 

[macbdog]

It's a shame Riley spent his winter down south, he could have made millions in February cleaning roads up here. Still salty, lol!

 

[Jack Brickman]

I'm sure Riley was just as cocky as Gilbert was about making the playoffs this year to prove a point. That's what makes it all so satisfying that the Heat failed and wound up in the lottery. Hopefully they draft the next Michael Beasley.

 

[ssopata]

 

[Kevin Ollie]

So when do we start getting stories skewering this guy like people did Dan Gilbert? At least Gilbert had the sense to eventually shut up.

 

[Randolphkeys]

In Pat Riley's defense, he is one of the most accomplished living coaches in NBA history. I think that is one reason the media isn't going after him too hard. The Lakers in the 1980s and their rivalry with the Celtics set the stage for Michael Jordan to take over the sports world. That said, he is a total hypocrite.

 

[Mdog1]

I can't wait for Riley's racist comment. You know it's coming at this point, especially if we win the title this year.

Get him banned from the HOF.

Also, I really want someone to jump them so Philly gets their pick, just hopefully it isn't Indy.

 

[godfather]

In Pat Riley's defense, he is one of the most accomplished living coaches in NBA history. I think that is one reason the media isn't going after him too hard. The Lakers in the 1980s and their rivalry with the Celtics set the stage for Michael Jordan to take over the sports world. That said, he is a total hypocrite.

I think it's the first time someone said "no" to Pat, and his ego can't take it.

 

[Stark]

For the record, I despise Wade wholeheartedly. However, to watch the nuclear fallout that would occur in Miami and the office of Pat Riley would make it worth it to me.

 

[Rich]

Yea, how does everyone feel about bringing in players you hate?

Wade is my most disliked player in the league, right ahead of Harden and Howard. Primary reason: he's the dirtiest player in the league.

That said, he's still good. Anything for rings.