NEWSLETTER
I get that tensions are probably a bit high in Miami, especially when the boss is Pat Riley. This team already didn’t feel like one that could upset Boston as an eighth seed in the NBA Playoffs for a second straight season. But that fate was pretty much sealed when Jimmy Butler got hurt during the Play-In Tournament.
While ‘Heat Culture’ was of vital importance, Playoff Jimmy’s heroics were the main reason Miami pulled off the upset last season. Without him this year, there was never really a chance.
After the series loss to the Boston Celtics, Butler was his confident self in a video posted on X over the weekend. Jimmy Buckets proclaimed that had he played, the Heat would have gotten by both the Celtics and the New York Knicks.
Jimmy Butler:
“If I was playing, Boston would be at home, New York damn sure would be at home. Josh Hart? C’mon man.” 👀
pic.twitter.com/8Po2qOZq71— Ahn Fire Digital (@AhnFireDigital) May 4, 2024
I mean, probably not, but Playoff Jimmy is capable of some pretty great things so the series would have likely at least been a little closer! In his postseason media availability, though, legendary team president Pat Riley was NOT thrilled by Butler’s comments.
“For him to say that, I thought, is that Jimmy trolling or is that Jimmy [being] serious?” Riley asked. “If you’re not on the court, playing against Boston, or you’re not on the court playing against the New York Knicks, you should keep your mouth shut in your criticism of those teams.?
Pat Riley on Jimmy Butler: “If you're not on the court playing, you should keep your mouth shut.” pic.twitter.com/BorsYtOu8J
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) May 6, 2024
Pat Riley Not Thrilled With Jimmy Butler
I get that Riley probably wasn’t in a very good mood. Even though everyone knew the Heat weren’t making a run this year, Pat Riley isn’t really in the business of moral victories. He’s proven to be ultimate competitor over his illustrious career. Having said that, taking shots at your best player isn’t really the most prudent route either.
Butler has always been outspoken, but he’s never really been disrespectful or problematic. Jimmy always thinks Jimmy can and will conquer anyone in front of him. That’s what makes him and his playoff self so great. So it feels a bit odd that Riley would take such a public shot at his best player, but if any NBA executive has earned the benefit of the doubt it’s probably him.
Riley also addressed Jimmy Butler’s future with the team and said that he does no intend on trading the 34-year-old forward. He did, however, not fully close the door on any move saying, “There’s a possibility that a lot of things are on the table.”
One thing is for sure, Pat Riley won’t be afraid to make a big change if he thinks that’s what it takes to get Miami back into the NBA Finals. They’ll most certainly be a team to keep an eye on this summer once the offseason hits.
