Q: Thank goodness for Pat Riley and the Miami Heat ownership and management. In regard to the Jimmy Butler public tantrum, unjustifiably (by his play and demeanor) seeking another large contract in the twilight of his career, the Miami Heat put the Miami Heat first. The Heat certainly got the best out of Butler prior to last season. I believe that if this aging star at 35 was performing on the court as he was prior to last season, he would have already received the extension he now covets. Instead, the Miami Heat gave Butler the opportunity to earn it and he candidly did not. The Miami Heat braintrust will make the best deal they can to trade “Playoff Jimmy” and help the Heat improve its roster. As a steadfast Miami Heat fan, thank you Pat Riley for taking a team-first stance. It’s part of that Heat culture that the players and fans have come to appreciate. – Michael.
A: As you will see below, this has become among the most polarizing times of the Pat Riley era. And you know what? That’s fair, too. Because this was a situation that hardly was handled in the best fashion by all involved.
Q: I assume that, in the interest of fairness, Pat Riley will also be suspended for actions detrimental to the team. – Bernardo, Forget Lauderdale.
A: The difference is that you may disagree with some of Pat Riley’s moves or his approach, could consider some of them mistakes. But there is a difference between that and quitting on your team. It’s not as if players are fined or suspended for errant shots, missed defensive assignments or turnovers. As with front-officing, that all is part of the human element. But if Pat Riley was mailing it in or not showing up for work, then, yes, similar sanctions would be on the table. He continues to push forward, even if some believe some of that work arguably has been misguided.
Q: OK, as much as I love(d) Jimmy Butler, he probably deserves the suspension (although a seven-game suspension feels harsh, as he was just answering the questions). Of course, the Heat do not have any option other than listening to offers. Butler will be gone sooner or later. The question is what about the great Pat Riley? He has now managed to annoy four superstars (Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Butler) to varying degrees. Is Pat Riley’s magic sadly over and has the time come for him to call it quits? – Parag, Weston.
A: That all depends on how you look at it. If you want an executive who plays to players’ whims, then perhaps Pat Riley is not the man for that job. But consider that at one point Pat Riley did play to Jimmy Butler’s whims, with the result being saddled with Kyle Lowry’s contract.
Q: Ira, I am probably in the minority but I am not upset with Pat Riley in the Jimmy Butler situation. Once Butler said he wanted the max extension, there was no way this situation was going to end pleasantly. Paying him the max along with his constant missing of games was not a good investment. I also seem to recall that one of the reasons that LeBron James was concerned with staying with the Heat was Dwyane Wade’s propensity to miss games, although I never heard that he intentionally missed games. I appreciate what Jimmy did during his tenure with the Heat but it is time to move forward. – Carl, Fort Myers
A: Pat Riley did not create the Jimmy Butler Situation. Yes, Pat might have been a bit too public in his frustration, but it also was genuine and sincere. And, for his part, it’s not as if Jimmy Butler for several seasons didn’t handle much of this in a passive-aggressive manner.
Q: Pat Riley tried using psychological mind games to negotiate with LeBron James several years ago and where did that get him? Now, he’s done the same thing with Jimmy Butler and it looks like it will be the same result. What worked 20 years ago might now work with today’s NBA players. Hopefully, he now realizes that his best option is to trade Jimmy for some young talent, who still have a “joy” for the game. – Greg, Jacksonville.
A: Which most likely is coming next. And, yes, what might have worked in the Lakers’ locker room or at Madison Square Garden is not necessarily what works today. Different times dictate changing with the times.
Q: With all Pat Riley’s success in the NBA, he has had his share of run-ins with the stars who got him the rings: Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade (even the beloved son), the Big Three and now Butler. And there was talk back in the ’90s that Magic had Riley fired in Los Angeles. Apparently, Jimmy Butler was not appreciative of Riley telling him to shut up during last year’s playoffs when Butler told the Celtics and Knicks they are lucky he is out of the playoffs. Nothing has changed. – Stuart, Miami.
A: None of those aforementioned players took it to the degree that Jimmy Butler has. Pat Riley might be older and wiser, but this Jimmy Butler situation was next level.