The Miami Heat season unceremoniously came to a close a week or so ago now. Losing to the Boston Celtics in a Game 7 clash that, essentially, came down to a final range attempt from Jimmy Butler, they were unable to move on to the NBA Finals.
While some of the players took the podium on last week to reflect on the season that was and to tie a bow on things, the Miami Heat’s ultimate shot caller had his time in front of the media on Monday. Among many things that were stated, all of which will be detailed and analyzed in the coming days, Pat Riley made his plans for the future known.
When speaking about whether he will be back moving forward or if he has any plans to step away soon, the 77-year-old Miami Heat architect shot those notions down. In fact and in the most Pat Riley-ish way ever, he told the people that he still feels as good as any guy suiting up to actually play the games for the Miami Heat.
The Miami Heat are in good hands as long as Pat Riley is able to be around. According to him, that’s still for, at least, a little longer and you love to see it.
Well, sort of. Here is exactly what he had to say.
Pat Riley, 77, says he's not going anywhere: "I'm 77 years old and right now I can do more push-ups than you can right now."
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) June 6, 2022
More specifically, Riles would also say that he feels it’s his duty to finish what he has started, to see this team reach its championship potential, one would imagine. He said that he definitely feels “an obligation to finish this build”.
On the season that was though, it wasn’t all bad for the NBA legend and his outlook on how it went. Here was his take on the year, per Five Reasons Sports.
"“It was a great story that was developing and with a lot of stories, the ending isn’t very good.” “I was proud of the team, proud of the coaches, I thought they did an incredible job. I’m sorry that it ended the way that it did.”"
The Miami Heat didn’t finish the mission and though that’s always what’s most important, they did find some things to build off to, hopefully, finish that mission before Jimmy Butler and Pat Riley both see their times end.
As long as this guy is in tow and feeling it though, you trust that they’ll be right there. As always, In Riley—you must trust.