Riley Speaks and HeatNation Listens

When the Federal Reserve Chairman speaks, the stock markets usually calms down. And so when Pat Riley speaks, we the Heat fans also calm down. Besides receiving the good news that he will be staying, at least for the next few years, as the Heat’s head coach, he also had quite a bit to add about everything else going on with the team. One of the greatest inspirational coaches of all time, Riley may be just as important an asset as any other free agent signing.

The Sentence we were Waiting for

Know why ”15 Strong” was an inspirational concept rather than some cheesy catch phrase for the 2006 champion Heat?
Because the idea came from Pat Riley.

Know why Shaquille O’Neal has remained in good shape for his first three years with the Heat despite his constant reminders that he plays better when bigger?
Because the request came from Pat Riley.

This is what Israel Gutierrez of the Miami Herald had to say about the Heat’s tireless leader. This is what the man brings to the Miami Heat. Pat Riley is, what I like to call, team glue. With him on your roster, you can become a contender. Why? Because he believes. And when he believes, you believe

And on Monday, August 13th, he uttered the words that we Heat fans were sitting on the edge of our seats, waiting for; “I have decided that I’m going to coach another three years; the term of my contract.” Riley said that this wasn’t some sort of game he was playing by delaying his decision. His son was moving out, his daughter was off to college, and he just wanted time to reflect on his decision. Thankfully, in an off season of disappointment, this is a major bright spot.

And Speaking of Believing…

Pat Riley has the utmost confidence in the team he has assembled; even if pundits like me aren’t quite fully convinced. I have been writing that I am quite worried about this upcoming season; I am worried that Wade will not perform, because of injury. I am worried that if anything, we got a little older and more mediocre this off season. Above all, I am worried that we haven’t added the athleticism that we need to compete in this league.

Sure, I am generally a pessimist, yet this is still pretty bad. But with all of my worrying, now that Riley is solidly at the helm, I have had my confidence restored. Riley has faith in this team and now so do I. The acquisitions and makeup of the team hereto far haven’t been spectacular, but they are defensible. J-Will may have a solid, injury free season. Wade may be better than ever. Shaq still dominates in the paint, whether people are flopping around him or not. And these new back court players may very well provide the stability that the team needed at that position. I now believe all of these things.

And besides, who said that the off season is over?…

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