"I’ve had my a** kicked" - Pat Riley brushes off criticism about him amid Jimmy Butler-Heat saga

Miami Heat president Pat Riley responded to critics on Thursday amid the ongoing saga of the organization with Jimmy Butler. On the "Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz," he spoke about how he doesn't care about what others have to say about him.

Many observers have made comments about Riley. However, his focus is not on them as he brushed off their remarks about him being "washed." The criticism came after the Boston Celtics beat the Heat in five games during the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs. The opinion about the legendary coach was highlighted when the Celtics won the title.

“Whoever’s saying that, I haven’t read it because I’m not on any social media site and I don’t care,” Riley said. “I’ve had my a** kicked by the Celtics enough when I was coaching, and they’re a great team.

“I don’t worry about what critics say because maybe I am? Maybe I should go somewhere and just put my feet up, but I would then become compulsive-obsessive about doing something else.”

The longtime Heat executive is fixated on helping the organization continue to compete for the championship.

Riley isn't giving the critics the attention they need as he's busy dealing with the Heat's situation in the 2024-25 season. Their franchise star, Jimmy Butler, has spoken about wanting to play for a different team, requesting a trade this season. However, there hasn't been any progress with the trade.

"The Godfather" has been part of the Heat organization since 1995 when he was named head coach. From there, he worked his way up and developed the franchise into a championship-winning operation.

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Pat Riley should alter his strategy, according to a former NBA player

Pat Riley has built a reputation around the league, showing he doesn't budge easily. He's had conflicts with other stars in the past, making the situation with Butler nothing new. However, former NBA player Stephen Jackson said there needs to be a change in how Riley approaches the game.

"He'll go down if he don't change," Jackson said (Timestamp: 3:35). "I mean, like, I don't think his mentality and championship mentality have to change, but his approach definitely has. Times just change.

"Your approach has to change. You can't be that same drill sergeant type of guy."

Riley is one of the foundations of "Heat Culture." Since his time with the Heat, it has worked out well in their favor, winning three titles since joining as an expansion team in 1988.

The Heat Culture has not run dry as they've appeared in the Finals twice in the last five seasons.