It’s A Miami Christmas Carol, and Pat Riley is Scrooge. What are the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future showing him?
Tachauer: Obviously, Riley’s past is Dwyane Wade, taunting him with highlights of the good old days in Miami. The ghost of Christmas present is Goran Dragic, making sure Riley understands how good of a thing he has right in front of him. And in Riley’s future is Josh Richardson, a now-elite star, begging for the youth movement to live on or he walks.
Mora: Riley’s ghost of Christmas past is somehow Shaquille O’Neal, haunting him of the missed opportunities post 2006 NBA Finals. The ghost of his present, whether you want to believe it or not, is Hassan Whiteside and his horrible inconsistency in his game and injuries (though this year it might be two ghosts, with Dion Waiters joining Whiteside…) The ghost of his future is Tyler Johnson’s contract. Will it haunt him for years to come or end up being the right decision? Only time will tell. Maybe it’ll be worth it, when he comes back with a full set of teeth.
Johnson: I read this question and quickly realized I’ve never seen A Christmas Carol. So, I’ll say all three ghosts are iterations of color commentator Tony “Coach” Fiorentino, showing Riley what the broadcast booth will be like without him. Seriously, don’t retire from television Coach, Heat Nation needs you!
Nurse: The ghost of Christmas past would show Riley the greatness that Heat wins, rivals and rings, added to his Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks legacies. The ghost of Christmas present would show him a team hampered by bad picks, horrible contracts and suspect trades. And the ghost of Christmas future will show him hanging up his Armani suits. The only question is, will it be willingly or forced out?
Eyrich: Christmas past is the Big Three: Wade, James and Bosh. Riley is visited by the three, reminding him not only what they did in their time together, but that he couldn’t keep them all in Miami. They’re letting him know what could have been if only he could have found away to keep the Big Three together. Christmas present is none other than Udonis Haslem. Who better than Haslem to remind Riley what the culture of Heat basketball is all about. Haslem is keeping Riley from losing his faith in the direction this team will go. Christmas future is showing Riley a championship ring. While there are no details such as a date or even who will lead him to this success, there is definitely another championship ring in his future. And how can we know for sure? Well because, in Riley we trust!
Next: Kaboom: 30 years of Miami Heat Basketball traditions
Happy holidays, Heat Nation.