Heat president Pat Riley appeared on the Sid Rosenberg Show on 640 Sports in South Florida today, discussing LeBron James' gold medal performance in London, the Heat's offseason moves, and the Lakers' acquisition of Dwight Howard. Let's round up of a few of Riley's more notable quotes, courtesy of Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel….
On LeBron's Olympic performance and the next step for the reigning MVP:
"I think both [Heat owner] Micky [Arison] and I had a great sigh of relief that he got through the Olympics without getting hurt or anything happening and also winning the gold medal…. We're happy for him. We love him to death, obviously…. We just want him to get home and get some rest. And in a short six weeks, he's going to be back at it in training camp."
On Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis joining the Heat:
"They're both a perfect fit for us. There isn't any kind of magic. You build it over time and if you build it, as they said in 'Field of Dreams,' they will come. And they're coming, and we're happy about it."
On the Lakers' trade for Howard and whether it makes a Lakers/Heat Finals likely:
"Howard is a little more athletic than [Andrew] Bynum. They definitely have improved their team…. [But] it's not an easy job for any team in the West. And it's not going to be an easy job for us here in the East."
On Erik Spoelstra's future in Miami:
"Probably, I'll be gone before he leaves, or if he ever does. I'd like to see Erik be like Gregg Popovich and be here for his whole career. I mean, that's very hard in this league. I was with three different franchises after championships in L.A. Change is, at times, the landscape of the NBA…. But, no, he's part of us. He's part of the Heat. He's grown up with the Heat. He's learned everything that he really has to learn to be a head coach."
True Dat
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comments on Spoelstra……by Riley….I must say I was impressed with Spoelstra’s rotations in the playoffs….not so much in the regular season but it is totally different come play off time….i like seeing lebron cutting to the rack more playing with out the ball as well as with it….now with his post game and an ever evolving jumper….he is by far the best player on the planet….not coach will have some players to work with in ray allen and lewis…wont be limited ……we still need a big man and the birdman would be a perfect fit….we just need a banger, that is athletic not a scorer …someone who can grab 8 plus rebounds a game and block a few shots….like to see a little more consistency at point guard but with chaulmers and cole we should be solid….cole has to guard the quicker point guards because chaulmers can;t handle the roses, westbrooks or even rondo…but cole can at least stay in front of them….but chaulmers gives you the 3 point shot ……should be a great year….look for at least a 65 plus win season….maybe, with no injuries they can break the bulls record of winning 70??? look out bball fans ….the heat are going to be monsters!!!! and for the next 5 to 6 years easy….a dynasty is here and here to stay