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Miami Heat president Pat Riley isn’t worried about the team

By Allana Tachauer

MIAMI, FL - JUNE 23: Miami Heat President, Pat Riley and head coach, Erik Spoelstra introduce Bam Adebayo during a press conference at American Airlines Arena on June 23, 2017 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright NBAE 2017 (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JUNE 23: Miami Heat President, Pat Riley and head coach, Erik Spoelstra introduce Bam Adebayo during a press conference at American Airlines Arena on June 23, 2017 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright NBAE 2017 (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Miami Heat president Pat Riley is all in.

These days, there seem to be two subgroups within Heat Nation. That is, fans who think the roster still needs some work. And those who believe the current group is fully capable of succeeding.

Well, Miami Heat president Pat Riley belongs to the latter.

Having attended the organization’s annual Family Festival on Sunday, Riley spoke on the versatility of the 2017-18 team, certain that they can finish higher than eighth in the Eastern Conference.

"“We have everything we need. We have shot blocking. We got pick and roll bigs who can catch lobs. We’ve got pick and roll bigs who can catch layups. We’ve got shooters, defenders… I think we can go up the ladder… A five-game winning streak can put you up in fourth.”"

Right now, the Heat are closer to the third spot Cleveland Cavaliers than the Detroit Pistons, who sit ninth. While Miami is just three and a half games behind Cleveland, they are four games in front of Detroit.

It’s really just a matter of whether or not they can keep up the momentum from their Saturday night win over the Pistons.

Having struggled recently, the team finally got back to playing Miami Heat Basketball, coming up ahead 105-96. Josh Richardson and Kelly Olynyk led the guys offensively, both finishing with 17 points, while Hassan Whiteside managed to grab 19 rebounds. Even James Johnson, who many had started to question, totaled 14 points.

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So what does Riley think is the key to staying successful? No surprise: defense.

"“What we need to do, as [head coach Erik Spoelstra] knows, is the mantra of you have to have and develop a consistent disposition defensively to stop people.”"

Something that was severely lacking in the Heat’s recent 131-113 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Isaiah Thomas walked away with 29 points, while Julius Randle finished with 25, leaving Brandon Ingram to score 19. And although Bam Adebayo may have totaled 15 points and 10 rebounds, Whiteside managed to only collect seven rebounds on the night, with Olynyk grabbing just three.

But that’s all in the past for Riley. He’s got his eyes on the prize. That is, a worthwhile playoff run.

"“Let’s just buckle up and enjoy this playoff ride. The crowds have been great. The games have been great. Very, very close games. Some games disappointing. It’s a typical NBA season.”"

Next: What March means for the Miami Heat and their playoff hopes

The Miami Heat will play the Phoenix Suns and Washington Wizards back-to-back starting Monday, as they try to make the most of March.

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