Pat Riley on Jimmy Butler’s Playoff comments: ‘You should keep your mouth shut’

MIAMI – Heat President Pat Riley addressed reporters on Monday after the team’s first round exit from the Playoffs.

Following the Playoffs, Heat star Jimmy Butler commented that the team would’ve won over Boston or New York if he were healthy.

Riley didn’t like those comments.

Riley said, “For him to say that, I thought, is that Jimmy trolling or is that Jimmy serious? If you’re not on the court playing against Boston or on the court playing against the New York Knicks you should keep your mouth shut and your criticism of those teams.”

As for a potential contract extension for Butler, Riley said “We don’t have to do that for a year. We have to discuss that internally. We have to look into making that kind of commitment and when we do it. We haven’t made a decision on it or, in earnest, discussed it.”

He added, “That’s something we have to give really thought to based on a lot of factors.”

As for changes, Riley said, “We’re gonna change some things, but we’re surely not going to rip things apart here.”

Butler’s regular season availability was also a big topic of conversation.

Riley said, “That was discussed prior to last year. We had a discussion with his agent last year.”

As for Tyler Herro and his injury issues, Riley said, “He’s been fragile a little bit.”

However, Riley emphasized that Herro is a starter, but it’s whatever the coach thinks is in the best interest of the team.”