Pat Riley supports the Miami Heat’s youth movement
Pat Riley recently held a press conference covering many topics regarding this offseason, such as: Chris Bosh’s health, Dwyane Wade leaving, the team’s young core and more.
Speaking of that young core that Pat Riley talked about, here’s what Riley had to say:
"[via Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel]Then there’s the emerging core of Whiteside (27), Justise Winslow (20), Josh Richardson (22) and Tyler Johnson (24). Riley confirmed that Winslow will go into training camp as the starting small forward, while Richardson and Johnson are expected to compete for Wade’s old spot at shooting guard.“Give me four guys their age in the league and let’s play a four-on-four game, and I think we’d have a pretty competitive four — whether tihey’re lottery picks or not,” he said. “So we feel that have a good base of young players. The next step is to see what they can do and to augment this team.”"
Riley has had to adjust to the new times of the NBA. Why? Because it’s a young athletic game now – one of floor spacing and position-less basketball. It’s a fast paced game with hybrid stretch 4’s, three-point shooting, cross-matches and more.
More from Sir Charles In Charge
- LeBron James working to assemble super team for USA Basketball in 2024
- Dillon Brooks proved his value to Houston Rockets in the 2023 FIBA World Cup
- NBA Trade Rumors: 1 Player from each team most likely to be traded in-season
- Golden State Warriors: Buy or sell Chris Paul being a day 1 starter
- Does Christian Wood make the Los Angeles Lakers a legit contender?
On the Heat’s style going forward:
"“We are definitely going to be young . . . playing at a different pace next year. “We feel like we have a good base of young players.”"
The young core that Riley speaks of are all young and athletic, two-way players that can play multiple positions and fit the style of the game that the NBA is now trending towards.
Recently, it was discussed on why Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson, and Tyler Johnson were building blocks for the future. Apparently, Riley feels the same way and has echoed those same sentiments as well.
Riley also touched on why Hassan Whiteside was a building block for the future and why he had to be re-signed, as a priority.
"“We were very fortunate to get him. We saw enough over the last two years to say he is a very unique talent and player.“We feel like he’s worth the investment. You’ve all seen him play. We believe he’s an essential part of our team.“He anchors our defense, will improve on offense and gain more confidence. We agreed as an organization on this decision."
must read: NBA: 5 Teams That Should Blow It Up And Rebuild
Pat Riley is all in, without any doubt, when it comes to his belief in this young core and youth movement.
"“I don’t think there’s any doubt we can compete for a playoff spot,” Riley said."