<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>After committing in the offseason to coaching the Heat through 2009-2010, Pat Riley is leaning toward stepping aside after this season. With his team struggling and in need of a significant roster overhaul, Riley said it might be in the franchise's best interest if he focuses solely on his role as team president. "But that's after this season," Riley stressed. "That's not now." Riley, 62, said he was torn by the commitment he made to owner Micky Arison to hold the dual roles over the remaining two-plus seasons on his Heat contract. "Sometimes, just with me, I feel like now, more than ever, I might be butting heads with both jobs," he said. "And I've revisited that over and over again."</div> Source
At this point, I think it'd be a very smart idea for him to step down after this season. He really needs to focus more on his role as an executive as opposed to a coach. He needs to get this team some youth to reinvigorate it and get them some more energy. Cause quite frankly, this team is horrendus. Most of the players are past their prime (*cough*Shaq*cough*) and are simply not as effective as they have been in the past. Beyond that, if they don't make any significant roster changes during the course of the offseason to improve this team here in the next couple of years, I wouldn't expect Mr. Wade to stick around much longer. I realize he probably feels like has a committment to this team and to help them get better, but you know winning is first thing on his mind. And with the current roster of other teams' trash, they're not going anywhere or getting better anytime soon, and has to realize that. I think Riley's sole focus at this point should be improving the roster and leaving the coaching to someone else, otherwise he might be without his centerpiece here in a couple of years if they don't improve.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Moo2K4 @ Jan 9 2008, 02:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Not quite there Shape. DWade is having shoulder issues, Grant had ankle issues.</div> I know, but DWade might suffer through the same things Hill went through with constant setbacks to his comeback. DWade also has bad knees and the style he plays has already caught up with him at the age of 26. Unless he develops a consistent jump shot and doesn't rely on contact to score he's going to constantly be injured.
Yup...and by the way, I was making a joke, fully understood what you're talking about. At this stage in his career, Wade relies far too much on his strength and athletic ability than actual basketball skills. I fully agree with you Shape. In order for Wade to survive in this league, he needs to find a consistent outside touch. And seeing as he is still very young, it's completely feasible for him to do so. Plus, MJ went through the same thing. His game was much like Wade's currently is when he first came into the league. He relied on his ability to get to the hoop as opposed to a jump shot, but he did develop one, which is why he was still able to score 30+ into his 30s. I think Wade has to do the same thing, regardless of his health. He's going to need to develop a jumper if he wants to be an elite player once he gets later into his career, because at some point, he's not going to be the fastest and strongest guard on the court.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Moo2K4 @ Jan 9 2008, 02:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Yup...and by the way, I was making a joke, fully understood what you're talking about. At this stage in his career, Wade relies far too much on his strength and athletic ability than actual basketball skills. I fully agree with you Shape. In order for Wade to survive in this league, he needs to find a consistent outside touch. And seeing as he is still very young, it's completely feasible for him to do so. Plus, MJ went through the same thing. His game was much like Wade's currently is when he first came into the league. He relied on his ability to get to the hoop as opposed to a jump shot, but he did develop one, which is why he was still able to score 30+ into his 30s. I think Wade has to do the same thing, regardless of his health. He's going to need to develop a jumper if he wants to be an elite player once he gets later into his career, because at some point, he's not going to be the fastest and strongest guard on the court.</div> He's still young enough, but I wouldn't compare him to Jordan because he doesn't have the same work ethic and drive Michael had. I think Riley might have overestimated Wade's conditioning and bought a little bit into the Jordan comparisons as well. After the Championship a lot of the media was comparing Wade to Jordan because of how he efficient he was and how relentless he was at attacking the basket and getting to the line. The following summer Wade didn't take time off to heal and recover. He jumped right into Team USA for the FIBA tournament (the bronze medal team) and started the following NBA season lethargic. Riley also implemented his "no nights off" policy for Wade. He told Wade he wasn't going to have any more nights off from defense. Riley told him he needed to improve his defense and have an impact on both ends of the floor. Wade ended up missing 31 games in 2006-07 and was diagnosed with "jumper's knee." Finally he injured his shoulder and was shelved. I remember prior to the shoulder injury he was really looking forward to playing for Team USA again because Kobe was going to be on the team. Kobe had invited him to train with him and give him advice on how to pace himself to have an impact on both sides of the court. I think Wade probably rushed back too, soon and doesn't have the proper conditioning to play his style every night. He's really struggled this year and is now asking to come off the bench. Jordan would never ask to come off the bench.
