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Pat Riley, Miami Heat

Like many fans, perhaps Miami Heat president Pat Riley still sits back and thinks about the good old days.

The Miami franchise witnessed one of its most glorious runs from 2010 to 2014, winning a pair of NBA championships in four straight trips to the Finals. Leading the charge was a prime LeBron James along with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Together, the trio was seemingly making history on a nightly basis.

In the end, James’ tenure in Miami was rather short-lived. He departed back to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a headline-filled 2014 summer free agency, reuniting the four-time MVP with the team that selected him first overall in the 2003 NBA Draft.

While James’ return made for a cinematic “coming home” story, his exit from Miami is something that still gets talked about over a decade later.

Pat Riley Dishes on LeBron James Leaving the Heat in 2014

Ever since he took over as team president in 1995, Riley has seen a cavalcade of stars walking the halls of Kaseya Center.

Although Wade is widely considered the greatest player to ever play for the franchise, Riley knew what he recieved in his palms when he helped bring James to Miami to pair him with a superstar guard. While the Heat enjoyed plenty of success in the years with James, Wade and Bosh, Riley still thinks the story ended far prematurely.

“I wish I had him for another 6-8 years,” Riley told ESPN, referencing James’ departure from the Heat in 2014. “It would’ve been great, but we’ll never know [how many titles could’ve been won], will we?”

Miami acquired James when he was just 25 years old and perhaps not even in his prime. He was already a two-time league MVP and only beginning to come into his own as a complete offensive and defensive package. James left Miami before turning 30, leaving many to wonder what the Heat could have pulled off had they retained him and continued putting star talent beside him.

Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesMIAMI, FL – JANUARY 23: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat shoots a free throw.

Some have attributed James’ Miami exit to Wade’s declining athleticism and availability, but given what we know about how well the Heat built out their roster in the post-James era, it may not be far-fetched to think the franchise could’ve maintained its contender badge following the 2013-14 season.

What Staying in Miami Could’ve Meant for LeBron

Ultimately, few were critical of James’ decision to return to Cleveland. After all, he strung together seven stunning seasons with the Cavaliers to begin his career, even if he wasn’t able to capture a title or get his team to the Finals beyond once.

James’ move to Miami was a legacy move. When he signed on the dotted line in 2010, many believed he would stay put for years, maybe even the rest of his storied career. However, following the 2014 Finals loss, perhaps James felt it would’ve meant more to his legacy to return home and win Cleveland a title than it would to win a third in Miami.

Whether James and Wade would’ve continued making trips to the Finals is debatable, let alone them winning three or more titles. What perhaps can be said is that James would’ve certainly been positioned to win easier had he stayed in Miami based on how well the Heat have managed to draft and develop players over the years as opposed to the Cavaliers.

But James’ 2016 Finals win is unlike any feat in NBA history. That one title in Cleveland, especially in the fashion it was achieved, has arguably done the most to any player’s legacy than any milestone ever has.

Adel Ahmad Adel is a writer with over five years of experience covering the NBA. His work has appeared on various media platforms, both national and local. More about Adel Ahmad