81-year-old Riley refuses to retire and criticizes the Heat's performance this season.

With the Miami Heat unfortunately missing the playoffs, 81-year-old team president Pat Riley made a strong statement at the end-of-season press conference, vowing never to retire or resign.

"I will not retire, nor will I step down," Riley stated firmly. He emphasized that his desire to win and win championships has never changed since he arrived in Miami 31 years ago. He stated frankly that unless an uncontrollable event occurs or the team owner decides to let him step down, he will never voluntarily leave the team he loves so much.

When discussing the players' and team's overall performance this season, Riley made no secret of his anger and disappointment. The Heat's disappointing elimination in the play-in tournament left him deeply frustrated. Riley stated frankly, "I'm really angry. We're just not good enough. Aside from the 2023 season when we reached the Finals, the past three or four years haven't been anything to be proud of."

When evaluating the existing players, Riley considered Bam Adebayo an absolute, untouchable asset. Riley praised Adebayo, who recently delivered an astonishing 83-point performance, as a pillar and cultural icon of the team. He made it clear that he would never follow other teams' practice of trading their star players, but would instead steadfastly build a championship-contending roster around Adebayo.

Furthermore, regarding guard Tyler Herro, who only played 33 games this season due to injury, Riley revealed that he has successfully undergone preventative foot surgery and is expected to return to full fitness in July. However, when it comes to the issue of large contract renewals for players, Riley pointed out that the team's management must demonstrate strict financial discipline.

Riley promised that the Heat will go all out to upgrade their roster this summer, always committed to competing at the highest level, even if it's just for the last spot, they will fight to the last breath.

Image source: Internet