The tough stretch for the Miami Heat has big doubts about the franchise.
2025 was a nightmare for the Miami Heat. The early days of the calendar year were dominated by Pat Riley’s fallout with Jimmy Butler, who saw the franchise superstar halt three times.
This was a huge distraction ahead of the trade deadline, leaving the team behind in the hopes of Jimmy Butler’s final deal giving a fresh start. And it did so for the Warriors Butler.
Miami’s fever has since collapsed. The Knicks’ loss earlier this week was the team’s eighth loss and the worst winning streak since the 2007-08 season.
There are many factors in the poor form of Miami, and the fingers are increasingly pointing towards Pat Riley.
The Miami Heat is well known for its systematic approach it employed in the type of players who starred in for team building, roster construction, and organization. It’s all part of Pat Riley’s famous “heat culture.”
But it’s been 12 years since LeBron James delivered the final title for the Miami Heat. Jimmy Butler took them twice, and most recently in 2023.
The 2024-25 Heat is falling apart, and former NBA player Jeff Teague recently urged Pat Riley to quit and redo the team.
Talking to ESPN, Kendrick Perkins expresses another perspective and still maintains a small role, asking Riley to come aside. He believes that fresh and young ideas are needed.
Perkins said: “Pat Riley is stuck in his way. He’s about to turn 80. Looking around the league, looking at successful teams, looking at candidates for legal titles, they get young blood in those seats.
“And I’m not telling him to stay away from the organization. I’m just telling him to be a consultant. I have this seat for someone else. Let’s go there and become a guy who isn’t afraid to change the heat culture.
“It means a heat culture you notice. We raise you through drafts and develop through player development. Now, sometimes you say, “I’m trying to go on a big swing trying to get a big fish. I’m trying to do certain things.”
“And I just think Pat Reilly, his time has passed. That’s fine. It’s time for him to hand over the torch.”
Perkins highlighted his point by pointing out the team leading young executives of the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder.
“Brad Stevens, Young, Coby Altman Young, Sam Presty Young, all those who lead these organizations.”
Whether his proposal is viable depends on Riley. Whether he wants to resign or puts it aside is up to him.
And getting aside can be a hassle and you can hold your voice over the shoulder of a young executive as a consultant. If he chooses, he could help, but that’s not the scenario we think is happening anytime soon.