Report: Pat Riley no longer final voice in Heat decisions

The Miami Heat may not be operating the way many assume.

According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, team president Pat Riley is no longer the final decision-maker when it comes to basketball operations.

In fact, as one version of the reporting has circulated:

“He’s not even in charge.”

The final say, per Jackson and others who cover the team, belongs to CEO Nick Arison, the son of owner Micky Arison.

And it’s not a new development — it’s reportedly been the structure for years.

Riley, 80, remains team president and the public face of the franchise. His influence is still there. But internally, the hierarchy appears to be more layered, with input from coach Erik Spoelstra and GM Andy Elisburg as well.

Jackson even noted that multiple reporters have long described the same setup, suggesting this isn’t exactly breaking news — even if it’s gaining traction now.

Still, after a 43-39 season that ended without a playoff appearance, the idea that Riley isn’t the final voice is bound to raise eyebrows.

Maybe it already has.