Pat Riley's ability to bring back players after sour exits has been a hallmark of his career as the Miami Heat's team president. According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Riley has a knack for mending fences with top talent.
Windhorst points to several examples of Riley's success in this area. Alonzo Mourning left the Heat under a cloud, only to return later. Shaquille O'Neal, who departed Miami with animosity, eventually came back and had his number retired by the franchise. Dwyane Wade, who left the Heat in free agency due to a disagreement, returned to the team and now has a statue outside the American Airlines Arena.
Windhorst believes that Riley's ability to bring back players could be a key factor in the Heat's pursuit of LeBron James. James, who left Miami in 2014, has expressed interest in returning to the Heat. While there was disappointment when James left, Windhorst notes that the relationship between James and the Heat was not as acrimonious as it was in other places James has played.
Miami has a pathway to bring James back, according to Windhorst. The team's current roster and salary cap situation make it possible for James to join the Heat and compete for a championship. James has a history of winning championships in his second year with a new team, and Windhorst believes that the Heat could be a good fit for him.
The Heat's chances of landing James may depend on their ability to build a strong roster around him. With James looking at multiple years, the Heat would need to have a plan in place to surround him with talented players. Windhorst believes that the Heat would be at their best a year from now, and that James could be a part of that.
The possibility of James returning to Miami has generated a lot of buzz in the NBA. While nothing is certain, Windhorst's comments suggest that the Heat have a legitimate chance of bringing James back. As the offseason heats up, the Heat's pursuit of James will be one of the top storylines to watch.
The Heat's ability to bring back James would be a major coup for the franchise. It would show that Riley's ability to mend fences with top players is still strong, and that the Heat are a desirable destination for top talent. With James looking for a new home, the Heat are well-positioned to make a strong pitch.
Only time will tell if the Heat can bring James back to Miami. But with Riley at the helm, the Heat have a good chance of making it happen.
Source: Yahoo Sports