Miami Heat President Pat Riley has been around the game a long time and has learned the dos and don’ts along the way. Riley was a star at the University of Kentucky before eventually being drafted to the pros. After a decade in the big leagues he had an outstanding career as a coach before eventually working his way up to an executive role.
On Monday, Riley spoke to the press to discuss the Heat’s disappointing first round exit and had some harsh words for one of his stars. Six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler recently stated that the Heat would have won the first round series over the Boston Celtics if he had been healthy.
Jimmy Butler:
“If I was playing, Boston would be at home, New York damn sure would be at home. Josh Hart? C’mon man.” 👀
pic.twitter.com/8Po2qOZq71— Ahn Fire Digital (@AhnFireDigital) May 4, 2024
Riley seemed unimpressed with the comments and made his feeling clear when asked about the subject.
“If you’re not on the court playing, you should keep your mouth shut,” said Riley. The executive did go on to say he was not sure if Butler was trolling or being serious.
Pat Riley on Jimmy Butler's comments that the Heat would've won over Boston if he were healthy… "you should keep your mouth shut" pic.twitter.com/K1K3RVo0lt
— WPLG Local 10 Sports (@Local10Sports) May 6, 2024
Butler missed the entire five game series after suffering a MCL sprain during the play-in tournament against the Philadelphia 76ers in April.
During the regular season, Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5 assists. Without their top scorer, the Heat did not put up much of a fight, losing the series 4-1 against the Celtics. In their four losses, they lost by an average score of 22 points.
