The Miami Warmth’s season has come to an finish.
They had been outscored by 122 factors in a four-game sweep to the Cleveland Cavaliers, which is the single-worst level differential in any collection in NBA playoff historical past.
That wasn’t essentially a shock.
Dropping Jimmy Butler killed all expectations and hope for a deep postseason run.
With that in thoughts, ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith claimed that it was time for the Warmth to maneuver on from Pat Riley.
“He’s not that man anymore,” Smith stated.
Stephen A. Smith says it’s time for Pat Riley to step down
“He’s not that man anymore.” 😬
(🎥 @FirstTake )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 29, 2025
Whereas he claimed that Riley had a brilliant basketball thoughts and knew what he was doing from a enterprise perspective, his methods could be outdated.
Riley has gotten into energy struggles with all their stars, from Shaquille O’Neal to LeBron James, and even Dwyane Wade.
Nobody can take something away from him, however his micromanaging won’t lower it with at present’s era of empowered – and typically entitled – athletes.
So as to add insult to damage, Riley has swung and missed again and again in his makes an attempt to get one other star to South Seaside.
He selected to not pursue Bradley Beal, which proved to be the correct transfer, however he couldn’t get Kevin Durant and even Damian Lillard, who was reportedly desirous to take his skills to South Seaside.
Riley is among the most influential figures in NBA historical past, and he deserves all of the respect on the earth, however all good issues finally come to an finish.
NEXT: Erik Spoelstra Sends Clear Message Forward Of Sport 3 Towards Cavs
