Pat Riley teases another Heat landing as Giannis arrives in Miami
Giannis Antetokounmpo was introduced by the Heat, while Pat Riley appeared to nod toward Miami’s reported pursuit of LeBron James.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
Pat Riley had Giannis Antetokounmpo sitting in Miami colors on Thursday, then appeared to leave the door wide open for one more star-sized arrival.
At Antetokounmpo’s introductory news conference, the Heat president said, with a laugh, that after Miami had “landed the plane” for Giannis, “there’s another one we have to land,” according to a clip shared by Heat Central. CBS Sports reported the comment came as Miami is among the teams in the mix for LeBron James as he weighs his free-agent decision.
James, who won two championships during his previous run with the Heat, appeared at two events in New York on Thursday and did not announce his choice, according to CBS Sports. The outlet listed Miami, Cleveland, Golden State and Philadelphia among the possible destinations tied to his decision.
The Heat’s new centerpiece, meanwhile, is already in the building. CBS Sports reported that Miami formally introduced Antetokounmpo after the blockbuster trade that sent the two-time MVP from the Milwaukee Bucks to South Florida before last month’s NBA Draft.
Giannis says Miami was his pick
Antetokounmpo used the news conference to explain why the Heat were high on his list once his time in Milwaukee ended. In a video posted by the NBA, he said joining Miami was “a no brainer” and that he “wanted to be here.”
He said he had long heard about the Heat’s demanding team identity, describing it as a place associated with hard work, discipline, drive and selflessness. Antetokounmpo said that during his Bucks career, Milwaukee tried to build a similar environment where winning mattered more than who received attention.
Antetokounmpo also pointed to the franchise’s Big 3 era as part of what shaped his view of Miami. He said he understands the expectations around the Heat and welcomes the pressure at this stage of his career.
CBS Sports noted Riley’s history of star moves in Miami, including Shaquille O’Neal, James, Chris Bosh, Jimmy Butler and now Antetokounmpo. The outlet reported that the earlier names in that group either won championships with the Heat or reached multiple NBA Finals.
The LeBron question hangs over it
Miami’s roster took a hit in the Giannis trade, according to CBS Sports, and the team may face limits because of the hard cap. The outlet reported that adding James would speed up the Heat’s timetable and turn this season into a more immediate championship chase.
CBS Sports also reported that Miami does not have an obvious backup option close to James’ level if he signs elsewhere.
The Heat have already had one bit of post-trade drama. CBS Sports reported that Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro were involved in an altercation in Las Vegas, and that the NBA will not issue punishments over it.
A new number in South Beach
Antetokounmpo will wear No. 7 with Miami after spending his Bucks career in No. 34. In a video posted by the NBA, he said No. 34 came from his parents’ birth years: his mother was born in 1963 and his father in 1964, so he used the three and the four.
He said three plus four equals seven, and that he wanted to leave No. 34 in Milwaukee because of what it meant there and out of respect for the organization that drafted him.
CBS Sports reported that the switch appeared to catch the Heat by surprise, with No. 34 merchandise already stocked before the change to No. 7.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.