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Miami Heat: Key takeaways from Pat Riley press conference

By Simon Smith

MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 21: Pat Riley, President of the Miami Heat, speaks to the media during the announcement of the Miami Heat jersey sponsorship with Ultimate Software on September 21, 2017 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright NBAE 2017 (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 21: Pat Riley, President of the Miami Heat, speaks to the media during the announcement of the Miami Heat jersey sponsorship with Ultimate Software on September 21, 2017 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright NBAE 2017 (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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With the Miami Heat about to enter training camp, here are some of the key takeaways from the press conference held by team president Pat Riley.

As is his custom, Miami Heat team president Pat Riley addressed the media ahead of the Heat’s annual training camp, held this year at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.

Having finished last season with a 30-11 record, there’s naturally much interest in how the Heat can follow upon from this. And despite missing out on the signature of marquee free agent Gordon Hayward, the Heat have nonetheless had a very productive offseason.

Over the course of the press conference, Riley covered a number of the key topics that all Heat onlookers will be fascinated to follow.

Hassan Whiteside

Following a breakout season in which Whiteside averaged 17.0 points, 14.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game as the man in the middle for the Heat, Riley still feels Whiteside has the potential to reach another level.

"“We’ve seen growth in his play, his approach to the game and his attitude….I really believe that he wants to be the best. I believe that he’s motivated and inspired to be the best….We’re expecting a great year out of Hassan, and we’re going to need a great year out of Hassan.”"

Bam Adebayo

Taken with the No. 14 overall pick in this year’s draft, Adebayo showed immense potential throughout his performances in NBA Summer League. At 6’10” and possessing elite athleticism, Adebayo has certainly gained Riley’s attention in his short time in Miami.

"“I’ve been most impressed with his maturity, the decisions that he’s made off the court, his dedication to the game….He’s real….He (John Calipari, Adebayo’s college coach) feels that he hasn’t reached his ceiling and that he really did hold him to some extent last season…he feels like we might have the steal of the draft.”"

Point guards

This summer has been a treat for starting point guard Goran Dragic, leading his native Slovenia to becoming EuroBasket champions, while also being named tournament MVP. But aside from Dragic, there’s currently not a certified, designated backup point guard on the roster. Therefore, Riley did his best to address this and explain the Heat’s position:

"“We don’t feel like we need that. The way that Spo [Erik Spoelstra] coaches now, the word position-less is true. We have three guys that we can play (Tyler Johnson, Josh Richardson, Dion Waiters) and have the offense run through them, and even James Johnson can run the offense.”"

Eastern Conference

This offseason saw a bevy of moves made by the Heat’s rival teams. At the top of the list is, of course, the blockbuster deal between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics, which saw their respective All-Star point guards, Kyrie Irving and Thomas, changing teams.

Furthermore, All-Star’s Paul George, Jimmy Butler and Paul Millsap are now plying their trade in the Western Conference. So naturally with such activity occurring around the Herat, Riley was quick to point out where the Heat stand after all of this:

"“I see Cleveland and Boston at the top. Boston lost 10 of their 15 players, so you don’t know how that’s going to play out….We see an opportunity because there isn’t a Golden State, or a San Antonio, or a Houston. There are opportunities for us and were going to take care of them if we can.”"

Josh Richardson

Just last week, Richardson signed a four-year, $42 million contract with the Heat. Despite having played just 105 career games, and having suffered an injury-interrupted season, the Heat nonetheless showed enormous faith in the soon-to-be 25-year-old.

"“We believe in him – his size, his length, his defensive ability….He’s a prototype NBA player, and he’s young. We thought he was worth it (the contract extension) and we expect great things from him.”"

Roster composition

Having been renowned for his ability to land marquee players via either trade or free agency, the composition of the current Heat roster represents something out of the norm for Riley. Without an All-Star appearance on the roster, Riley addressed the direction in which he feels the roster will head:

"“We’re ahead of a rebuilding cycle, and I think we’re one step away from being a very good team….One step away could be the collective effort of an ensemble cast of very gifted players, or one step away could be a move that could bring a player here.”"

Overall, Riley clearly expressed his admiration of the current roster, while also being mindful that the Heat are perhaps not quite there when it comes to becoming genuine contenders.

Next: The 50 greatest NBA players of all time (updated, 2016-17)

So on the precipice of yet another season in the Heat front office, Riley has given every indication that there is still plenty of fight left in “The Godfather.”

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