Pat Riley confirmed he will not retire or step down, expressed frustration over the Miami Heat’s Play-In exit, and reaffirmed his commitment to competing without rebuilding or tanking.
Miami Heat president Pat Riley has dismissed any rumors about retirement or stepping down.
“I’m not going to retire. I’m not going to resign,” he said during a press conference on Monday. “I’m not going to step aside. When I came here almost 31 years ago, I have the same attitude that I had in that press conference on the Imagination … I want another parade down Biscayne Boulevard.”
This season, the Heat finished 10th in the regular season before being eliminated in the Play-In Tournament.
“I’m not going to apologize for being a play-in team,” Riley said, adding that Miami actually improved after trading Jimmy Butler, finishing with six more wins than the previous season.
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However, the 81-year-old expressed his frustration about not making the playoffs.
“I’m really pissed. I’m disappointed. Disgruntled,” he stated.
Riley made it clear that the organization’s direction will not change:
“I’m not going to change. I’m not going to try to lose. I’m not going to tank. I can’t stand the word, and I know they’re talking about it in the NBA and dealing with tanking. I never heard that 15-20 years ago.”
Riley has served as the Miami Heat’s president since 1995 and also coached the team from 1995 to 2003, and again from 2005 to 2008. As an executive, he has helped lead the franchise to two NBA championships.
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