Miami Heat president Pat Riley gave a press conference on Friday morning, addressing topics like Dwyane Wade, the team going into training camp and more.
With the league’s media day being held this upcoming Monday, September 25, Miami Heat president Pat Riley held a press conference on Friday morning.
And it is clear, The Godfather is ready for it all to begin.
"“It’s been a long time since I’ve been this excited about the competitiveness we’re going to see in this training camp… Spo is wearing a T-shirt with ‘true competitor’ on it. I said, ‘Where did you get the T-shirt?’ He said ‘I had it made.’ I said, ‘Why didn’t you make one for me?’ We’ve got a very competitive locker room.”"
But before he went into specifics about his current ball club, Riley touched upon none other than former face of the franchise, Dwyane Wade.
Although Wade is technically still under contract with the Chicago Bulls, it has been all but confirmed that a looming buyout is inevitable. So of course, Riley was asked about his current relationship with the NBA superstar.
"“I feel great about our relationship that we had over the 13 years. Anything that happens from a personnel standpoint down the road or any opportunities that are there, we’re always going to approach that.”"
Vague, maybe. But due to the fact that teams cannot speak on signing him until he is officially a free agent, Riley said as much as he could.
"“…right now he’s under contract with Chicago and I wish him the very best.”"
As for the team heading into training camp, he spoke a bit about staying at 19 guys, one short of the allowed maximum.
"“I’m happy with it. Erik [Spoelstra] is happy with it. It’s more than enough to go into camp. All of our players we brought back from last year are here and signed. The players we signed to D-League contracts, whether they were two way contracts – we have one – the number 19 is enough. We don’t want to bring someone in just to bring someone in to have a 20th player. Spo said that’s enough. I think that’s enough.”"
Riley also then took some time to speak about individual guys, like Hassan Whiteside. Who has clearly earned the president’s trust and respect.
"“We’ve seen growth in his play, in his approach to the game and his attitude about conditioning. A lot of things a young player takes for granted. He was a physical specimen when we got him. He was incredible as an athlete. I really believe he wants to be the best. He’s motivated and inspired to be the best… We’re expecting a great year out of Hassan and we need a great year out of Hassan.”"
He sang his praises for Justise Winslow, too. Hopefully calming the nerves of some fans that are concerned he will never pan out to his potential.
"“We feel Justise is right there with anybody. He has worked very hard since the surgery. One of the hardest workers we’ve ever seen since the surgery. We love him as an athlete, as a winner.”"
And commented on Josh Richardson and his latest four-year, $42 million contract extension, a deal that was inked just earlier this week.
"“We believe in him. His size, his length, his defensive ability. His ability to shoot the ball… We didn’t want him to go in the open market next year and coming off a great year, having to match some crazy contract. We felt he was worth it and we expect great things from him.”"
Riley made sure to talk about the team’s incredible chemistry as well, a unique bond that cannot be found amidst another organization.
"“I look at our group of guys that they were very serious about the camaraderie. I think the words coming out that locker room are true. We got a very, very competitive locker room. We’re going to see if that 30-11 record is what they’re about. I’m not saying we’re a 60-win team but that’s a pretty good team.”"
With Riley so high on the squad, it is almost a guarantee this season will be one to remember.
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The Miami Heat begin training camp on Tuesday, September 26, and play their first preseason game at home on October 1, versus the Atlanta Hawks. They will then head on the road to face off against the Orlando Magic on October 18, marking the start of their 2017-18 campaign.