MIAMI – Miami Heat President Pat Riley held his annual end-of-season media availability on Tuesday at the Kaseya Center.
“I’ve seen a lot of things in my career, but I have not experienced a year like this, and a playoff run,” Riley said to open the presser.
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Riley told reporters that he is “sleep deprived” from the stresses of the season but is proud of the team’s effort after becoming the second team in NBA history to make it to the Finals as an 8th seed.
Pat Riley on adding another piece for Jimmy Butler:
— Will Manso (@WillManso) June 20, 2023
“i would love to go out their and pick who I want to be a perfect compliment, but it’s not that easy.”
Riley said the next few weeks will be big but didn’t want to dive into the rumors of player acquisition as he and the Heat coaches work toward building “another championship team.”
Riley told reporters that he doesn’t any restrictions from Heat Owner Micky Arison as the team approaches free agency but says he doesn’t plan to take a “wrecking ball” to the current roster.
Pat Riley makes pretty clear they don’t want to break up this Heat team too much:
— Will Manso (@WillManso) June 20, 2023
“We’re not gonna take a wrecking ball to this thing.”
Basically a version of running it back but looking for next piece.
“They’re committed to winning championships. We’re in the tax,” he added. “We’re gonna show some patience here instead of reacting without knowing what consequences will be in doing something.”
During the press conference, Riley said the Heat have “two anchors” around Butler in guard Tyler Herro and Center Bam Adebayo.
Adebayo shined throughout the 2023 playoffs by averaging 16.8 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists.
Herro didn’t make an in-game appearance for the Heat since breaking his hand in Game 1 of the playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round.
Riley told reporters that he won’t be swinging for the fences because it could be reckless in search of the team’s fourth championship in franchise history.
Pat Riley on if a big move is needed:
— Will Manso (@WillManso) June 20, 2023
“Subtle moves will be enough if they’re the right move. Hitting the home run is addition by subtraction.”
Says he’s not just swinging for the fences because it could be reckless.
But they will be looking and consider what’s there.
The Heat were rumored to have interest in All-Star Bradley Beal, but the former Washington Wizards guard was traded to the Phoenix Suns for point guard Chris Paul, Landry Shamet and multiple draft picks.
The Heat could possibly pursue Portland Blazers guard Damian Lillard, but the team will have to likely trade multiple players and draft picks in order to acquire him.