No Love In Business

Tonight at 8pm Dwyane Wade makes his first return to Miami since leaving for Chicago. I just saw a clip of Wade saying he hasn’t spoken to Pat Riley in months. More than likely that means since he left the team. We’ve seen stars leave their teams after long stints and everything stays in good standings like Peyton Manning and Jim Irsay. Sadly I have to quote Young Jeezy and simply say “that ain’t this and this ain’t that”.

Wade wanted to stay in Miami long term and be compensated for the pay cuts he’s taken over his career, but was offered the lowest pay out since his rookie contract expired. With the salary cap increase it was fitting to give Wade more than 10 million per season...right? Not according to Pat Riley and Micky Arison I guess. I really couldn’t fault them when I looked at it from the business side. Do you pay an aging star for what they’ve done in the past or take your chances with your new potential star and build around them? It worked for the Lakers because they had a collection of young talent to work with and Kobe was still one of the biggest stars in sports. That wasn’t the case with the Miami Heat heading into this season. It looks like Pat Riley is willing to work with what he has for now and try his luck in the draft and free agency before he pays Wade top dollar. It’s enough talent coming out of college next spring to strike gold twice maybe even three times in the draft. When you think about it Pat Riley has always been about hustling his way up instead of worrying about relationships. He was legendary as the Lakers coach in the 80’s. 4 championships, coach of the year in 1990, and the leader of one of the most dominant dynasties in basketball history. He guaranteed back to back championships and delivered. Showtime Lakers never won less than 50 games and only missed the Finals twice with him as the coach.

When the squad got old he walked away from that position to be a commentator for NBC. The very first chance he got to move on with a solid team he took the Knicks coaching job in 1991. He managed to get them to the Finals in his 3rd season there. After his 4th season he left to be the coach and president of the Miami Heat. He didn’t call or stop by the office he sent then a fax. A MOTHERFUCKING FAX. lol I just thought that was the loudest most annoying way to say “I’m out”. Can’t blame him for walking away for more money and power. We do the same when promotion opportunities come along at work.

Through all of this bouncing around he’s only moved up and gave not 1 fuck about who thought what. It’s sad that him and Wade had to part ways, but when you’re a 71 year old man that’s addicted to leveling up relationships don’t mean shit. Despite showing “regret” for letting Wade walk the contract offers told the whole story. He challenged Lebron to leave and seem to not care. Hoopers come and go and new greats come along every season. As cold blooded as it might be putting feelings aside has made Pat Riley successful over the years. Heat fans shouldn’t worry about this season. Pat Riley has a plan. Judging by the teams he’s put together in Miami over the years (Shaq & Zo/ Big 3) it’s a trustworthy plan. Waaaaaait on it!