That's by design. For three decades in Miami, Riley has ruled with an iron fist — not only through his words or what he implies in his carefully chosen words, but through the words he doesn't use.
Riley spoke to the media on Thursday as the Miami Heat prepared to begin the 2024-25 season, and things were said. Many things. Some nice, and some with obvious ulterior motives and messages baked in.
Let’s break down and decode the most newsworthy words the Heat president shared (as relayed by Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press) and what they mean for the team's prospects this season.
On Jimmy Butler's Extension
"The door's wide open for the very best.... We know he's a great player."Translation: Show us you can play basketball at 35 for an extended period, Jimmy, and we'll discuss paying you more money.
Pat Riley challenged Dwyane Wade hard during the late stages of his career — to the point where he left in free agency. He's doing the same to Jimmy Butler with zero shits given.
Heat Culture pays for current and future performance, not past efforts. That lesson was learned many moons ago. Thanks, Dion Waiters!
On Butler's Importance and Availability
"We need...our best people, the ones who are the highest-paid people, that have the most talent, to be together on the court.... Jimmy is crucial to that."Translation: Jimmy Butler needs to play basketball more, or someone else can have Jimmy Butler play basketball. In his five seasons in Miami (skipping the 20320 COVID season), Butler has played in 58, 52, 57, 64, and 60 games of the 82-game NBA regular season.
All parties seem to agree that Butler needs to play in at least 70 games for the first time in his Heat career this season for the team to consider adding another $60 million or more to his already huge contract, which pays him $49 million this season and has a $53 million player option for next season.
On Butler's Personal Challenges
"He had a very difficult year last year. We all knew about it. It takes a toll."Translation: The Heat knew about Jimmy Butler's father dying. Of course, they did.
They hate it for him. It's tough. But also, shit happens, and this isn't last year.
On Tyler Herro's Preseason Performance
"I love his attitude and his approach to the game; he looks quicker. He looks more dynamic and defensive. Is he going to lead the league in steals? Man, he gets his hands on everything."Translation: We've house-trained Tyler Herro. I think we did it. Have you seen his military hairstyle?
Pat Riley has tried everything and anything to get Herro to take the next step. He seems genuinely optimistic about what they'll see from him this season.
On Bam Adebayo's Game Expansion
"The expansion of his game, ball-handling, it's a testament to Erik.... Ever since we got Bam, his role has expanded to where he is a very important cog in our offense and I do believe he will continue to improve. If that three goes down, it just opens up our game."Translation: Remember when we taught Chris Bosh to shoot threes? We're doing that again, but only better. Prepare your ass, NBA.
Bam shooting threes well is legitimately terrifying. It's a frightening thought, and the NBA should be scared.
On Erik Spoelstra's Contract Extension
"He deserved that. We all knew it was coming. We wanted to keep him without a doubt and we paid him, I think, the market value. He is an exceptional coach...a great teacher to our players and probably a better teacher to all the coaches."Translation: Erik Spoelstra is a Heat Lifer and my eventual replacement. If anyone was thinking of coming for the best coach in the NBA with some Willy Wonka deal that includes team ownership shares, forget it.
After two-plus decades with the Miami Heat organization, Coach Spo is practically more synonymous with the franchise than Burnie is. He's locked up, so don't even think about it, Portland.
On the Heat's Core Players and the Upcoming Challenge
"We have a core of really, really great players who need to find another level of greatness. And this is their time. So take the challenge. The East has gotten tough. Let's get into that fray."Translation: I love Jimmy, Bam, and Tyler, but this is it for them. Shit or get off the pot. Prove you're capable of winning me a championship or by the trade deadline, you could be touring homes in Phoenix while I'm introducing Kevin Durant at a press conference upon his arrival in Miami.
This Heat squad has had two years longer than Pat Riley would give most. This is the final "run it back" chance they'll get before Herro is playing for the Jazz.
On Parity
"There's a lot of parity. And we're right in the mix with everybody else. There are some favorites at the top, and we, by the way, are not that favorite. But it doesn't mean jack s until you get out there and do it."Translation: We aren't shit, but don't tell us that. You don't want these Miami Heat problems.
That said, the theme remains clear: Pat Riley wants to see this team show him the baby and stop telling him about the labor pains.
[Note: Riley said "jack s."]
On His 30th Year with the Heat
"I didn't realize just how fast it goes. And it seems like it's going faster every day. But it's been a blessing for me."Translation: Time flies even faster when you're 80. But don't expect to get rid of me anytime soon. Why retire from playing fantasy basketball with a real NBA team?
The bottom line is that if the Heat win a title, Pat Riley will sail off into the sunset like John Elway did after winning a Super Bowl ring. He doesn't need this nonsense but hates to lose worse than Donald Trump. Next win, he's out on a high note. In the meantime, he's having fun.
On His Name Being Added Near the Heat Logo
"It's right below the logo. That makes me feel even better about it. Not a bad place to have someone looking over you."Translation: Surreal stuff. Even for Pat Riley. Some honors are normally reserved for after you're dead and gone. Getting a stadium or court named after you before you even retire is the rarest of rare honors in sports.
Blessings up. Pat Riley will be happy, healthy, and motivated to get back at it again. But don't get it twisted. Don't mistake his gratitude for weakness.
He's pissed and he's ready to push the panic button if this team fails to deliver on expectations.
