Pat Riley has been in hot waters with multiple members of the league due to the Jimmy Butler saga. Many have questioned his position as the President of the Miami Heat after Butler revealed ‘losing joy’ in the city and team. To make matters worse, after Butler’s statement, Riley and the team suspended the All-Star for seven games. This provoked former player Gilbert Arenas to call out Riley.
During the recent episode of Gil’s Arena, former NBA player Gilbert Arenas accused Pat Riley of putting himself above his superstar players. Arenas lashed out at Riley for ‘pretending’ to be the Heat Culture and not prioritizing Butler or his other player’s needs.
Nobody’s coming there. You got South Beach in your favor and you treat South Beach like it’s a f—- prison! ou can’t pretend you’re bigger than LeBron! LeBron leaves [and] the ship crashes! Jimmy Butler comes; he gets you to the championship.
Gilbert Arenas said on the Gil’s Arena
Arenas compared Riley’s treatment of LeBron James back in the day to Butler. James was one of the reason for the team winning a championship in the 2010s. However, according to the former player, Riley believed otherwise. Arenas also accused Riley of making South Beach a ‘prison’ for the players.
Gil roasts the Miami Heat for how they disrespected Jimmy Butler 🔥 pic.twitter.com/oI1J6e8Onh
— Underdog (@UnderdogFantasy) January 6, 2025
Arenas even stated that Butler leaving will have extended consequences. Butler’s absence will result in other star players deciding to not join the team. This might turn out to be true, as even current players and teammates of the Heat are affected by the rumors of Butler leaving.
DeMarcus Cousins echoed Gilbert Arenas’ thoughts on Pat Riley
Not long ago, former champion Paul Pierce accused Pat Riley of ‘killing Heat Culture‘ by pushing superstars out. Now, one more player is showing agreement with Pierce as well as Arenas. DeMarcus Cousins stated that the Heat president does not ‘care about superstars.’
On Lou Williams‘ Run it Back podcast, Cousins was asked about the Butler-Riley situation. The former Nuggets forward gave his opinion by listing the former superstars of the team. This includes multiple-time champions Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James.
If it didn’t go well for these guys, it’s proof in the pudding that Pat Riley doesn’t care. It’s his way or no way.
DeMarcus Cousins said on the Run it Back podcast
“If it didn’t go well for these guys, it’s proof in the pudding that Pat Riley doesn’t care.” 😳
Demarcus Cousins says it’s well known that the Heat don’t take care of their superstar players 👀
Does Pat Riley have a problem handling big name players? @MichelleDBeadle |… pic.twitter.com/xRuq5WZgJV
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) January 6, 2025
Both Arenas and Cousins might be on the mark here considering Riley’s history with superstars. Despite Butler being a huge part of the ‘Heat Culture’, the star is disappointed by the treatment of Riley and the team. It seems that Miami is on its way to losing another superstar which might also affect their ongoing season.
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