Pat Riley gets extension, doesn't rule out coaching return

[Andrew]

It's also worth noting Shaq's involvement in the Van Gundy situation, as he was (and still is) a very vocal critic of Van Gundy. I think it's fair to say that forced Riley's hand a little back in the 2006 season, or at least gave him more of a reason to return to the sidelines than perhaps he would have if Shaq wasn't so anti-SVG.

[shadowgrin]

Riley already said in the interview that Spo will be back next season. Spo will get one more shot with the revamped roster, I guess.

There is still the possibility that Riley will return. Remember that SVG got the boot about after a month into the season.

[Andrew]

I don't think Spoelstra has any vocal critics on the team the way Shaq was with Van Gundy though. Of course, if the Heat struggle out of the gate then Spoelstra's dismissal wouldn't be out of the norm, with Riley being a suitable in-house candidate...

[Laxation]

It should also be noted that Riley's return is purely speculation at the moment, based on his remark that he wouldn't rule out the possibility and him having replaced his replacement once before. It's a possibility of course, but we perhaps starting to treat it as a foregone conclusion when it may well never happen.

Its more speculation as to whether any big free agents sign in Miami.

[Andrew]

Well, yes, both remain to be seen at this point.

[NovU]

Only thing I don't like Riley is him wasting some of Wade's prime years. But then he got Wade a ring(or Shaq) and finals MVP which his peers Bosh, Bron, and Melo don't have, so that certainly makes up for it in ways. I think Wade knows that as well and will stay since he isn't really that unhappy with the front office.

Riley coaching again good or bad? I think he'll do a fine job, so I'd like to see it happen, but like you guys said, it's only a speculation.

[Andrew]

I think Wade knows that as well and will stay since he isn't really that unhappy with the front office.

How can you say that? Granted, that may be true and his possible parting with the Heat isn't exactly a foregone conclusion, but only Wade himself knows how satisfied he is with the front office and how much confidence he has in them.

[shadowgrin]

NovU and Wade are BFF. Don't you know that Andrew?