Stan Van Gundy Steps Down, Pat Riley Steps In

Stan Van Gundy resigned from coaching the Miami Heat today. Evidently, the pressure without Shaq is too much. And the pressure to keep all those ball hogs together with one ball. And the Evil Eye boring a hole into the back of his head may have been slightly uncomfortable.

OK. Pat Riley is not Evil. But the media loved to make it seem like he had SVG on double secret probation since the mid point of last season. I guess that probatory period is up. When Pat Riley said, a month ago, that he would take a more active role in team operations, I guess he wasn't kidding. Oh, and the "official" reason that SVG stepped down was for "family reasons".

And Pat said, he really did, that he felt he was the best man for the job. Since he made the signings and picks, he went on to state, that he had the best idea of what to do with the players on the court as well. I guess we'll find out soon enough. What place will the Heat end up in with Riley at the helm? I'm sure the return of Shaq will help out a lot.

I like Riley, I must admit. I didn't like the way he had SVG set up to fail, however. But, with the way the playoffs ended up last year, and with the way the team is performing to this point of the season, I suppose Riley has the right to do as he pleases, and if SVG wants to step down for "family reasons", the so be it. Coach Riley, I wish you the best in your endeavors. You'll need it to take the Pistons out of the East.

Just in and out like a cobra strike today.

Later.

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