Pat Riley saying that he doesn't like today's game, and that he's had to adapt to it, should make fans extremely nervous about where the Miami Heat franchise stands, and where it's headed. Because if Riley is having to change who he is, it makes you question whether he's the right person to be leading the Heat right now.
The value that Miami gains from having Riley as the face of their front office revolves around The Godfather being himself, not changing as the league continues to go through its own revolution.
Even though that's generally what you want to hear from the face of the front office, I'm not necessarily sure if that's a strength of Riley. And if Riley can't reap the benefits of being Riley anymore, there's an honest conversation that may need to be had inside that front office.
Pat Riley's struggles in the modern era
Riley says the modern game has been difficult to adapt to because he doesn't believe that players are cut from the same cloth as players from the previous generation, and that he doesn't see players caring about winning as they should.
Because of that, it's difficult, at times, for Riley to see eye to eye with many of the new generation of players. And, assuming that's going to continue to be the case, that presents a big problem for the Heat.
Again, if Riley can't be Riley anymore, does he still carry the value that the Heat needs from him? It's a fair question to ask.
Sure, there's an argument to be made that Riley isn't playing the same level of role he once played in Miami's front office, but he's the face. For better or worse, it's Riley who wears it all for the front office. And that may not be entirely fair for him.
When the Heat misses on a big free agent or superstar via trade, it's Riley who takes the blame. Then again, when the Heat is successful, it's Riley who tends to get most of the credit.
But, at this point, it's fair to ask if this is still the best path forward for the Heat and Riley.
I wouldn't suggest pushing Riley out of the front office, but you can't help but wonder what lies ahead for both the Heat and the legendary front office executive. With everything at stake this offseason, there's a reason to believe that the next few months will play a huge role in where this franchise's future takes them.
Riley will retire when he's ready to hang it up. He won't be run out of town or get fired. He's earned that much. However, fans have to at least be somewhat concerned that it may be time for both Riley and the Heat to move on.
And his latest comments do begin to open the door to that conversation.