Heat Legend Backs Gilbert Arenas on Pat Riley’s One Flaw Before Jumping to His Defense

“Teams can win, but families win championships,” Pat Riley said during his conversation on The Dan Le Batard Show. He has long championed the Heat culture and discipline. He had his own methods to motivate and a strict coaching style and rules. And the Miami Heat president has never hesitated to admit that this approach has often clashed with his players. It happened in the past, and considering recent rumors, not much has changed in the present. Additionally, both former Heat player Tim Hardaway and ‘Agent Zero,’ Gilbert Arenas, share a common belief.

During the latest segment of Gil’s Arena, Josiah Johnson asked the crew, “Do you believe that Pat Riley can relate to this generation of players?” Both Arenas and guest Tim Hardaway were quick to share their opinions. “No he can’t,” Hardaway said. Speaking on the topic, Arenas explained the situation by giving an example of how current-generation players have a different mindset than the players from the ’80s or ’90s.

“That was my argument like this is not the 90s or the 80s. This is not the New York, those personalities. This is not your Miami team right? These are pampered kids now correct and I’m like well you know the Bobby Knight that whole mindset you’re clashing with these kids right? If you pissed them off they want to leave you,” Arenas said.

“You took my cookies I want to go. You don’t give me my parking space I’m out of here right. The money doesn’t actually matter to this group and I don’t think the older generation understands that,” Arenas added. And the Miami Heat legend seemingly agreed. While Hardaway highlighted Riley’s one flaw, he also had praise for the former coach. Soon the conversation shifted to Jimmy Butler.

Tim Hardaway’s tough words for Jimmy Butler

There were rumors of Butler’s conflicts with the Miami Heat. After Butler publicly stated that he couldn’t find joy in playing basketball in Miami, the team suspended him. Following the drama with the Heat, he has since joined the Golden State Warriors. But Hardaway criticized how it all began.

“What I was mad with Jimmy is you’re (Jimmy) still under contract okay…only thing he wanted you to do is play more games. That’s all he wanted you to do is play more games. I don’t want to be in the playing games anymore I want to be in the playoffs and have a week off and I want to prepare and be ready for our opponent and we’ll be fresh. Jimmy didn’t want to do that,” Hardaway argued on the show.

Previously, on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Hardaway criticized Butler’s actions, which eventually led to his trade to the Warriors. “I didn’t agree with what he was doing. You’re under contract. You’re a baby. You’re a crybaby, because they said ‘no’ to you,” Hardaway said. The Warriors are optimistic that Butler’s arrival will elevate them into a serious championship contender.

It remains to be seen whether Butler will rediscover his joy in the sport and help lead the team.