Should Heat Let Riley Return?

[erpowers]

Msn.com is reporting that Pat Riley will be returning soon as the coach of the Miami Heat. According to msn.com Riley is expected to be with the team when they take on the Houston Rockets on February 21th. It seems that Riley will be at full steam on February 25th in that he should be coaching the team by that time.

I think the Heat should just tell Riley to stay home. He seems to do this type of stuff too much. This the second or third time Riley has stepped down as coach and then come back later. I think it is unfair to the fans and the players to have Riley continually leaving the team and then coming back later. It is also unfair to the coaches who have to step in for Riley and then be pushed aside when he decides to take over the job once again. So how to others feel? Should the Miami Heat let Pat Riley return to the sidlines to coach the team?

[TSIAS]

1. He had a legitimate injury this time

Personally, I was upset about how he handled the Stan Van Gundy departure. He pulled a Nick Saban the summer before in vociferously denying rumors that he wanted to coach. But after the team's marginal start, he decided to return. However, winning the title sort of made people forget that saga.

[Awsi Dooger]

2. I'm glad he's coming back

As TSIAS said it was a legit problem, not a vague leave of absence. Plus it's much more interesting with a high profile coach in the playoffs. The Heat would need sustained defensive intensity to do anything in the playoffs this year, especially since they'll be facing many series without home court advantage. Riley has obviously demonstrated he understands defensive adjustments in the playoffs.