Pat Riley has served as team president of the Heat since 1995. The 73-year-old executive brought Miami three titles—one while also serving as a coach—but remains hungry to oversee another championship team.
“Maybe that’s why I’m not going to retire. I ain’t going out this way until we win another title,” Riley said with a smile to ESPN’s Dan Le Batard (h/t Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel).
Riley added while he would love to have “one of those golden consulting jobs,” he wants to remain a hands-on participant in the franchise
“There’s a few guys around the league that have those jobs. But I say that in jest, because all the men who do that I’m sure they provide a good service. But I’m an active participant, and I want to stay that way,” Riley said.
Riley also touched upon LeBron James‘ tenure with the club and LBJ’s departure in 2014. The executive said he “saw a dynasty fly out the window” when James decided to return to Cleveland.
“I didn’t blame him [for leaving],” Riley said. “But I knew that was a 10-year team. It was just a sad day for me and for our franchise because I wanted that dynasty. I wanted this city and this team to go 10 years and maybe be in the Finals eight times.
“I don’t know how many championships we would have won. But I don’t have any rancor toward him at all.”
I always wonder why LeBron didn’t just go back to the Heat again instead of the Lakers.
The Lakers took years setting up the table for him. They almost deserved him! James did not look around much, not to Houston who had a plan.
Heat has no cap room?
They would’ve made room just like they did the last time.
Bosh would’ve stayed healthy with LeBrons presence ?
Wade wouldn’t have had such a STEEP drop off?
8 finals on the back of lebron, with no wins to show is a crappy dynasty if you can even call it that
Wait what ? If Lebron stayed then bosh wouldn’t have gotten blood clots in his lungs?? Yeah ok buddy.
I think I just misunderstood your wording, I’m sorry
I saw this on instagram and was like Riley can’t do math…
LBJ was there 4 years. Year 5 and 6 would have been two injury plagued Bosh years and then he was forced into injury retirement. Then you’re left with an over the hill Wade in year 7-10? The young players you like on their Squad – Justice & Bam aren’t there b/c they were lottery picks.
Would need to pull a rabbit out of his hat to build a squad around LBJ and an old Wade.
The Heat are already a decent team without LeBron. Not a great team, but at least a decent one that can hang near the .500 mark. That’s more than one can say about the Cavaliers without LeBron.
They are in the same position the Sixers were in pre-tank. Not good enough to actually compete for a championship, not bad enough to get a top-2 or 3 pick. That’s basketball hell right there.
No rancor, Pat? Doesn’t sound like it.
So, basically he might keep going until he hits a 100 if he is not gonna go until they win a chip again, lol!
Oh boy, was I hoping for him to go so Miami can stop sucking & start winning again!
I can’t believe he’s been there for 24 years. That’s INSANE! Seems like yesterday him and his Knicks were battling the Bulls for “King of the East.”