Pat Riley: I’m very optimistic about what’s ahead of us

Miami Heat  president Pat Rilet talks with The Athletic about the situation of his team, and plans for the upcoming offseason.

We have six first-round picks in the next eight years. We have three second-round picks, one that was sold to us by another team. So we have a lot of assets. We have a lot of very good young players. We have great veteran leadership and talent. And I’m very optimistic about what’s ahead of us.

On the offseason

From a practicality standpoint, regardless of what the numbers are, we know what our priorities are, and it is to take care of the players that we have. We know we have a decision Bam has to make and we do with him. We know the guys that have sacrificed for us that we really like. Our free agents, especially Goran (Dragic), who has been here for five years. It’s going to be a little bit dicey for us because of wanting that flexibility.

Last year was last year. This year coming up is this year, and flexibility with draft picks, free agency is coming next. My thinking really hasn’t changed. But when I say next thing, if there’s a next thing that presents itself that can really take us to another level talent-wise, I’m open to it.

On Bam Adebayo, who emerged as a superstar this year

We value Bam Adebayo. He’s an All-Star. And he’s young. And he’s great. And we’re going to do what is in his best interests. We love Bam. He’s a cornerstone to our franchise and it would be in our best interests to make sure we do the right thing with him.