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Time For Pat Riley To Quit Miami Heat's Front Office & Just Coach?

Dec 1st, 2007
Questioning a legend is never easy. And Pat Riley has certainly earned his stripes as a coaching legend, capturing four NBA Titles over a distinguished career. However, Riley's performance as an executive is fair game. Recently, the man with the oiled-out dome has drafted poorly, overpaid mediocre talent, and then traded that mediocre talent for even more mediocre talent ... The Associated Press reports on Pat Riley addressing Smush Parker's suspension:
Smush Parker was on the Miami Heat inactive list again Friday night, while the team investigated an altercation earlier in the week between the guard and a valet parking attendant.

Parker is not expected to travel with Miami on Saturday. The team opens a six-game road trip in Denver on Sunday.

He has not been suspended by the team, yet will remain inactive until the team completes its look into what happened.

"Every organization has to have rules. I try to call them covenants, which are tacit agreements about how to universally behave yourself," Heat coach Pat Riley said.

My Quick Take: Questioning a legend is never easy. And Pat Riley has certainly earned his stripes as a coaching legend, capturing four NBA Titles over a distinguished career.

However, Riley's performance as an executive is fair game. Recently, the man with the oiled-out dome has drafted poorly, overpaid mediocre talent, and then traded that mediocre talent for even more mediocre talent.

Since taking Dwyane Wade fifth overall in 2003, the Heat haven't drafted one player worthy of regular minutes. Dorrell Wright could still develop into a useful asset.

Then again, Riley passed on solid pros like Jameer Nelson, Kevin Martin, and Anderson Varejao to select Wright nineteenth overall in 2004.

Joining a new team can be tough. So far, the Parker signing has backfired-the combo guard has warmed the pine and made headlines for, well, getting into a dispute over a valet parking fee.

Then there's Ricky Davis. The newly-acquired wing has been an on-court enigma, but at least Miami receives cap relief when his contract expires in July.

Should Riley relinquish his day-to-day front office gig and just coach?

Some sideline bosses hire pseudo GMs to handle the grunt work. In San Antonio, Gregg Popovich works with a group of execs' and Phoenix’s Mike D’Antoni recently handed the GM post to Steve Kerr.

Of course, Popovich and D’Antoni have final say on personnel matters. They just see the benefit in having talented people around them.

With his mixed track record in the front office, Riley should consider hiring a right-hand. Miami can't afford another Smush Parker fiasco.

Should Riley focus exclusively on coaching? Get at us in the comment box with your thoughts.

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Comments (8)
Blue Magic December 02, 2007
Time For Pat Riley To Quit Miami Heat's Front Office & Just Coach?
I wish the S.O.B would just hang it up period! I'm a Stan VanGundy guy, and the way he did his loyal, humble employee, was wrong and I have disliked him ever since. Despite what people think, Stan could have taken them to the finals and won, just like Pat did. Because if Pat I no longer like the Heat and have followed Stan to Orlando. Watch us be the champs within the next few years
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I agree Blue Magic December 02, 2007
Time For Pat Riley To Quit Miami Heat's Front Office & Just Coach?
Yeah, Riles dawged van Gundy for sure ... that was pretty foul, Riles has lost his touch as an executive, he must move on period!!!!!!!
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a guest December 02, 2007
Time For Pat Riley To Quit Miami Heat's Front Office & Just Coach?
the only coach that could have won the title in 2005-2006 was riley; svg may have gotten them to the finals, but riley outcoached avery johnson in the finals...no doubt.
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maxie December 02, 2007
Time For Pat Riley To Quit Miami Heat's Front Office & Just Coach?
It all goes together. Riley builds the team that fits his style of coaching -- and that ain't where it's at anymore. He should leave both jobs, let the heat rebuild, and stop making bad deals that do nothing but chase after previous bad deals.
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MC December 02, 2007
Time For Pat Riley To Quit Miami Heat's Front Office & Just Coach?
You overlook that Randy Pfund IS Riley's right-hand man and has made some pretty astute decisions. i.e. he begged Riles to take D.Wade over Chris Kaman who Pat wanted. They have their ring and are anteing up now for Shaq getting older + Wade's new contract. It was worth the title ride!
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a guest December 02, 2007
Time For Pat Riley To Quit Miami Heat's Front Office & Just Coach?
Actually the author states "since taking Wade fifth overall" !!!!
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Kuya_Leo December 04, 2007
Time For Pat Riley To Quit Miami Heat's Front Office & Just Coach?
As an executive??? hmmm...I think he paved the way for a block buster trade that earn them championship...Thats the big point huh! I think what the miami needs is a little fun. A go to guy who likes to have fun in the court while competing. I think Shaq shud demo it. When youre having fun..youre loving the game..and the passion brings the natural of being a winner. I think Pat needs a little fun just as same with old time Lakers.
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Sheiksphere December 09, 2007
Time For Pat Riley To Quit Miami Heat's Front Office & Just Coach?
Playing for RIley no longer has the same sex appeal in once did. In fairness, most the kids coming into the league never really saw the showtime lakers. Plus, aside from Wade, who really developed on Gundy's watch, name a single player Riley has "developed" since Ike Austin. There isn't one.
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