NBA patriarch Pat Riley doesn't mince words about those who disrespect Heat culture

Since joining the Miami Heat back in 1995, Pat Riley has helped build what many around the league have dubbed as "Heat Culture." Coming off a rocky season for the franchise, the NBA lifer had a stern message for critics of the foundation he's helped create.

This season, the Heat found themselves in headlines for all the wrong reasons. They ended up having another messy exit with a star player, resulting in Jimmy Butler being moved to the Golden State Warriors at the trade deadline. Things continued to go off the rails after that, as Miami ended up suffering a 10-game losing streak in March.

Given all the disarray this season, many analysts spoke out against "Heat Culture." During his end-of-year press conference, Pat Riley decided to speak on the outside noise. Despite how things unfolded this year, he is keeping his head high on what he's built and isn't paying the critics any mind.

“But I’m proud of the culture," Riley said. "I’m proud of the environment that we have created over the years, for everybody here inside who really knows it. And for the people outside who don’t really know it but want to comment on it because it’s fashionable to comment on it and criticize it, to hell with them.”

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Pat Riley isn't opposed to going after 'aging player' to help improve the Miami Heat

Coming off a season where they traded a star player and were eliminated in the first round, Pat Riley and the Heat have their work cut out for them. Their roster still has the talent to compete, but it needs proper upgrades if they're going to be a threat in the East.

With Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo in the prime of their careers, rebuilding isn't the direction the Heat will go in. Instead, Riley is tasked with finding more complementary talent to uplift the pair of All-Stars.

While addressing the media last week, Pat Riley touched on roster upgrades. He is open to any options, including targeting an older player if the situation is right.

"For us," Riley said. "If that player is the right name and the contract is the right length. I still think that an aging play can still play."

One name that fits this description is Kevin Durant. He is heading into the last year of his deal, and would be a strong complement to Herro and Adebayo. Given Riley's track record over the years, only time will tell if the former MVP is the next superstar to find his way to South Beach.