Two-way Pat

So, Riley apparently inferred that he would reconsider his three-year commitment to fill both coach and president roles after this season is over.
Whether or not that is what he meant, what about that possibility?
If he heads back to the "just president" role, you would assume he would name Erik Spoelstra the head coach to follow him. The question is, would Micky Arison really want Riley's successor to be a first-time coach, or would he ask Riley to hire someone with experience and stature in the league so he can ensure there won't be a lag when Riley leaves?
Or, would hiring Spoelstra, who is a Dwyane Wade favorite, keep the superstar guard happy, which is probably the most important thing the franchise needs to do in the long term.
Or would it just be best if Riles keeps his coaching job and not bring up this issue?
I'm somewhat torn, but I tend to think Riles will keep his post, so as not to look like a quitter once again. If he does go, I say keep Spoelstra, who can work out just as well as Stan Van Gundy, only a little bit less intense.
Also, what's the deal with J-Will's bald head? Yikes.

Comments

[Joe O]

What bothers me more is what coach will be able to motivate Shaq if Riley Cant. If riley quits as coach, look for Shaq to either be bought out or traded. If you want the next coach to succeed, you need a stable locker room, and Shaq's presence will kill any spirit of hard in the young kids

[David]

I think he's gone after this season. Nothing in his history suggests that he's interested in coaching a rebuilding team, and that's exactly what this team is going to be next year.

He's a living legend with nothing left to prove. My guess is he realizes this and will let the rebuilding process start with a new coach.

[choochoo]

Joe, Dave.. couldn't agree more. I HOPE he calls it quits - from the sidelines that's is. I HOPE Shaq calls it quits, or asks for a trade. Neither is at the top of their game and both moves would further the best interests of the franchise. Go Heat!

[big dee chi-born]

Bring in Brian Shaw right now so we are insured not to have a Riley-esqe offense in here! That way Eric could be moved to lead assistant and Rothstein can go sit down somewhere! We need somebody that knows how to use Shaq and can bring us an offense that takes the ball out of Wade's hands 90% of the time Riley!!!

But at this point watching Riley coach us to continuous second half meltdowns is getting old! KYP Riley!! KNOW YOUR PERSONELL!!!!

[isra]

Jesus crist how can not tell that PAT is not able to use shaq of find the right spot for him,every one would like to see shaq being a dominating thing, when most of the games that he plays was able to have created open look for most of their teamates ans as sinply as this that they were not able to knock them down, and then everyone is saying that shaq is done,remember when player are worry to defending the perimeter is when shaq is dominating most the game, blame and blame for salary cap, but one Ring worth it , many franchise has being awaiting for this ring since when, lets talk about past starting with blazersmania at 90's they got such team and were beaten for chicagom with alot of super start , and back to the reality blazers is younger that other teams so at this moment they are only winning confident but not a ring, so what's all this about then , perhaps is that we would like to see how men are made of from distraction or bad movements players, sorry boys but I can not share same thought, why shaq should leave this team because your comments , they only thing that make a player better is the way that you act throught the end. everyone is wounded but not optimist about this (a real fan)

[isra]

Jesus crist how can not tell that PAT is not able to use shaq of find the right spot for him,every one would like to see shaq being a dominating thing, when most of the games that he plays was able to have created open look for most of their teamates ans as sinply as this that they were not able to knock them down, and then everyone is saying that shaq is done,remember when player are worry to defending the perimeter is when shaq is dominating most the game, blame and blame for salary cap, but one Ring worth it , many franchise has being awaiting for this ring since when, lets talk about past starting with blazersmania at 90's they got such team and were beaten for chicagom with alot of super start , and back to the reality blazers is younger that other teams so at this moment they are only winning confident but not a ring, so what's all this about then , perhaps is that we would like to see how men are made of from distraction or bad movements players, sorry boys but I can not share same thought, why shaq should leave this team because your comments , they only thing that make a player better is the way that you act throught the end. everyone is wounded but not optimist about this (a real fan)

[bonsai dude]

shaq gave us a ring as promised. that's why he came to miami, he proved his point. where's the loyalty here. two-time mvp steve nash hasn't gone to a finals yet, present mvp novitzki choked last year, all the malones, the barkleys, the ewings, the millers, the garnetts, the james are ringless. shaq has four and dwade has a ring and finals mvp in his home, talk about loyalty. the white hot and 15 strong thing, we all enjoyed it didn't we? remember 0-2 finals 2006, what happened from there? anybody remember?

there's nowhere to go but up. give those guys a break.

[Joe]

Don't forget what the Miami Heat franchise was before Pat got here.
He gives any team he couches instance relevance in the sports world.
Look what happend to the Phins after Shula Left.
Go Heat

[maxie]

"If riley quits as coach, look for Shaq to either be bought out or traded."
Another reason for Riley to leave, as if we needed one. And the problem with Spoelstra or Askins, good as they may be, is that they will be influenced too much by Riley, be too much in his shadow. And then, after they hopefully rehabilitate the team, he will want to come back again and reap the fruits of their success. Just ask SVG. Why not have a big retirement party for Riley, and any 7-1 350-pounder that wants to join him.

[jason]

I agree with a few comments here. Shaq brought Miami a ring. People say over and over that Wade carried the team but forget to mention that Shaq needed all those double and triple teams to free up everyone else. I honestly believe that if Shaq leaves the Heat, it will become the Knicks. D-Wade is a superstar but he needs the attention in the middle to be effective. Look at all the drives he makes. The shot blocker of the other team is busy blocking out Shaq. So continue to bash Shaq, when he is gone you will all wish that he would have stayed. You think this is a bad season? careful what you wish for. Shaq and D-wade are not 100%. We have lost Kapono, Posey, Walker and GP, they all played defense. Walker not have been a lock down defender but he was a better defender than most. Along the lines we lost what is most valuable to making Shaq effective. Perimeter shooters. Look we lost GP and have seen games lost in the last 4 mins. We lose games by less than 10 points. GP was able to control tempo and keep the opposing PG in check. J-will is great. He is a great offensive PG but not defensively. We lost our entire defensive squad! Realize that with that we lost our identity. All we have now is defensive paint. We need peremiter defense. Shaq is still effective. His numbers are lower but at the same time there are only a few centers that have higher numbers. Mistakes by letting go of vital players. That is when our season began to die. Mistakes.... Yes. Can Pat fix them. I know he can and will. We need Shandon Anderson back.

[Kendrick]

Why must every blog, every post, every comment find it's way back to debating over Shaquille O'Neal? People either overinflate his current abilities or bash him for no apparent reason. Why is Shaq now the most polarizing athlete in basketball? WHY?

IN MY UNBIASED OPINION:
For those who actually watch the games, you'd already know that the MDE doesn't draw as many double teams as years' past. Teams also defend him by sandwiching him with zones, single cover him, or foul him before he attempts the high percentage shot. This reduces his shot attempts but Shaq still draws lots of attention to a defense.

He remains in foul trouble because his aching hips limit his mobility. Perimeter breakdowns do contribute to some of those fouls but they are not the majority. Shaq also committs loose ball fouls while going after rebounds, offensive fouls when plowing through opponents, and he STILL receives B.S. calls by referrees. Shaquille has ALWAYS been the most difficult player to officiate, even in his prime. NOW is no exception.

I'm fully aware of Shaquille's contributions to the Heat and I see no reason in dwelling on the past to defend him. At age 35, his numbers are QUITE impressive when compared to other centers at his age. Shaquille shouldn't be expected to be the fulcrum of an offense at this stage in his career. However, he could still be key component to a team acquiring a title!

I see Shaquille for who he currently IS, not for who he WAS three seasons ago. If he turns back the clock after becomming 1000% healthy, I'd be just as happy as anyone!!

[Kendrick]

If you surround Shaq with old perimeter defenders, where are the points going to come from? What if a team single covers Shaq and gives him his 20pts? How will others finds ways to score? Can a 36 year old Shaq still score 30+pts a game if he had good perimeter defense? I wouldn't bet on it!

Remember what the Detroit Pistons did to a younger Shaq in 2004 and 2005? They allowed Shaq and the perimeter sidekick to pad their stats but they shut down the other players who fed off them for offense. Defense alone never won a championship. Ask the 07 Cleveland Cavaliers, 06 Pistons, or the 2001 Sixers!

If that method didn't work when Shaq was closer to his prime, how would it work now? Do we expect Wade to also drop 30+ points and make sure other players get easy shots? That's asking a lot! Why did think Riles made the mastermind trade for Antoine Walker (who BTW never gets any credit), Jason Williams, and James Posey? He needed those playmakers to free offensive burdens from Shaq and Wade. Posey also filled the defender/spot-up shooter role.

No great team in the NBA today depends heavily on a superstar/sidekick duo alone to achieve a championship. Detroit, San Antonio, and the 06 Heat had multiple contributors. Even current teams like Boston, Phoenix, Dallas, Orlando, and the Lakers are successful with balance on both ends. We are not in 90s era of basketball anymore. Balanced teams with players who play and defend multiple positions are the most successful, especially when the game slows down in April and May.

For the last time, balanced teams, depth, and versatility SHOULD NOT BE CONFUSED WITH SMALL BALL OR OFFENSE-ONLY BALL! (somebody always mentions that!)

[Baller]

I agree Kendrick

[sjhughes]

Which was it? Did coach Riley say he might step aside or did president Riley threaten to fire his sorry loser of a coach?
The HEAT needs more talent around DWade and they do not need guys ready for the bone yard. Bring in young veterans and build through the draft (of course the lottery never goes Miami's way).

[glenn]

Riley should fire him self. After 14 loses he and any coach should be fired