Four years after LeBron James‘ departure, Miami Heat President Pat Riley speaks up.
Next to highlight reels and Fortnite streams, rumor and hearsay are driving forces in the NBA.
Though the Miami Heat are prone to stay mum about internal affairs, information around LeBron James’ tenure with and departure from the Heat has surfaced once again.
This time however, the info is straight from the source’s mouth. Recounting his tale to author Ian Thomsen, Heat president Pat Riley made a firm admission.
"“While there may have been some carnage always left behind when he made these kinds of moves, in Cleveland and also in Miami, [James] did the right thing,” Riley told Thomsen."
For Riley, this admission runs deep. Following James’ departure, Riley was often quoted as telling James he was making the biggest mistake of his career. So, in the four seasons since James has donned Heat red, black and white, we’ve assumed his and Riley’s relationship was beyond repair.
Adding to the fire of Riley’s initial comments, James hinted that his trust with Riley was breached.
"“When I decided to leave Miami — I’m not going to name any names, I can’t do that — but there were some people that I trusted and built relationships with in those four years [who] told me I was making the biggest mistake of my career,” James told ESPN in 2016. He added, “And that s— hurt me.”"
Given their history, Riley’s most recent comments are a bit out of character. Godfathers don’t apologize, so why would Riley?
New Year, New Heat
It’s no secret that Dwyane Wade is in the twilight of his career. His responses to interviews and the like are increasingly vague, with the only certainty lingering around his loyalty to Miami.
A playoff team but not yet a championship team, Miami has a future to build for. Once Wade leaves, some combo of Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson and Kelly Olynyk will be Miami’s next generation.
Of course, the next generation could always use a forefather. Riley is a man of tactical advantage. His posturing and support of head coach Erik Spoelstra has turned the one-time video coordinator, into a perennial Coach of the Year candidate.
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Smoothing over his relationship with James, is another such tactic. James’ free agency looms in July, and Miami could be one of his 30 suitors. Already $30 million over the 2018 cap, Riley and the gang would need some hardcore finagling to make a king-worthy package; but a dose of Udonis Haslem, Wade, and Miami’s supreme work effort could make the difference.
It’s Showtime
Arguably more impactful however, is the effect Riley’s admission has on the Heat’s non-James free agency. Over the last two summers, South Beach has missed out on landing a pair mammoth-sized sailfish.
Kevin Durant passed on the organization in 2016, while Gordon Hayward picked the harsh winters of Boston over Miami’s sunsets in 2017. In their stead, Miami’s acquisitions have included strong contributors and role players like Wayne Ellington, Olynyk and Dion Waiters, but lack the notoriety of a franchise player.
Showing his willingness to work with his players, Riley’s acceptance of James’ decision to return to Cleveland could be the perfect bait for the Heat’s next big catch. Paul George and DeMarcus Cousins will turn heads this summer, and Miami’s lack of draft picks undermines any chances of drafting another star.
This summer will be particularly contentious in the free agent race. The Los Angeles Lakers are poised to have their pick of any of the summer’s delights. Their barren payroll puts Miami’s to shame, and their young core is an enticing treat for the long term.
Still, Miami has recency bias on their side. Three rings in the last 12 years is no joke, and free agents would be remiss to ignore any of Miami offers.
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When they play up to their level, Miami can run with the league’s best. Adding verified talent, combined with Riley’s visible growth could be the blueprint for future consistency.