Jan 14, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat president Pat Riley (R) shows former player Dwayne Wade (L) a bobble head while announcing that a statue in the likeness of Wade will be erected outside the arena in 2025, during halftime of the game between the Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

17-Year NBA Vet Backs Dwyane Wade’s Bold Pat Riley Comments

Originally posted on Miami Heat on SI | By Jake Elman | Last updated Jan 20, 2025 11:59 AM ET

Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade made waves when he recently described the Jimmy Butler-Pat Riley feud as a “tragic” way to end their relationship.

Longtime NBA veteran Lou Williams doesn’t understand the hoopla.

“I don’t think this really shakes the tree besides what guys already know, what they’ve already heard about Pat Riley, and what they already know about playing in South Beach,” Williams said on Run It Back.

Williams played for six teams across 17 NBA seasons. The three-time Sixth Man of the Year winner suited up alongside numerous superstars, including Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George.

The Heat never had any of those players. However, that doesn't mean they never heard the stories about Riley's Heat Culture, both as coach and team president.

“The Miami Heat themselves have a history of how they carry things differently than everybody else in the league,” Williams explained. “Like the Heat Culture thing is real.”

This article first appeared on Miami Heat on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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