“I’m Not Going To Apologize” – Pat Riley Doubles Down on Jimmy Butler Exit Amid Heat Collapse

The Jimmy Butler-Miami Heat saga eventually caused the season for the franchise as the Heat took an early exit against the Cavaliers in the playoffs. Star player Herro also admitted that the absence of Jimmy Butler impacted the Miami Heat’s chances in the playoffs, and going over the line without him was not possible.

Heat President Pat Riley who had an important role in the exit of Jimmy Butler has stayed on his previous stance. The former NBA coach accepted that Jimmy Butler’s trade impacted the roster but held no regrets over the exit. In a recent press conference, Riley talked about the whole saga.

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Pat Riley shared, “There’s no doubt that what happened with Jimmy had a tremendous impact on our team. There’s no doubt about it. I’m not going to apologize for saying no on the contract extension when we didn’t have to. And I don’t think I should.”

He also added, “I will always say that to the players, if I was coaching, ‘Keep your mouth shut, and I’ll see you next training camp.’ And you get back on the court. (But) It’s over. He’s done. I wish him well. Good luck to him and I hope deep down in his heart somewhere, he wishes us well too.”

Pat Riley Faces Heat for Jimmy Butler Move

Calls for Pat Riley’s retirement are growing louder after the Miami Heat’s failure this season. It was Riley who sanctioned Jimmy Butler trade, denying him a huge contract. Despite Butler’s exit, Heat barely added players to strengthen the roster early this year.

Andrew Wiggins and Kyle Anderson were the reinforcements in exchange for Jimmy Butler. However, only Wiggins has had an impact on the side. However, the formers Warriors forward has not created the level of impact that Butler created in his early Miami Heat years. The lack of scoring options is what took down the Eastern Conference side in the playoffs.

Pat Riley’s recruitment strategy has come under fire, especially after Jimmy Butler’s instant impact on the Warriors. The 35-year-old has averaged 17.9 points, 5.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds in 30 games for the Warriors in his career. Riley couldn’t bag a deal with Suns as Kevin Durant was willing to join Miami Heat early this year.

The trade deal involving Heat and Kevin Durant is still something to look in the off season. Pat Riley has suggested that the Miami Heat will make multiple changes in the roster and bring reinforcements to strengthen the side. However, how much of that talk turns into action remains to be seen in the coming months.