It would be a lot easier to believe Pat Riley had moved on from LeBron James without comments like this.
The Heat president gave his state of the team address Monday morning and was asked about the difficulty of drafting last year without knowing LeBron James’ plans.
“No more smiling faces with hidden agendas, so we’ll be going in clean,” Riley said, according to the Sun-Sentinel.
The former Knicks coach quickly attempted to add context.
“That could be anyone across the board,” Riley said.
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The Heat’s Big 3 each were in limbo after last season, but Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade opted to return after James returned to the Cavaliers. A year ago, James publicly touted Shabazz Napier after Napier led UConn to the national championship, and the Head select the point guard in the first round.
Without James, the Heat missed the playoffs and Napier floundered, while the Cavaliers are the No. 2 seed in the East.
“Yes, I’m at peace with it,” Riley added of James’ departure.