The Miami Heat narrowly missed out on the playoffs after a slow start to the season.

While Pat Riley has long sought cap space for 2017, he appears willing to shift towards retaining their own players. Dion Waiters, James Johnson, Wayne Ellington, Luke Babbitt and Willie Reed are amongst Miami's free agents.

"We're going to focus on our guys," Riley said.

Miami finished 41-41 and were one of the best teams in the NBA by the end of the season.

"I think the table is set. It was a great disappointment, but at the same time it was a lot of success."

Riley believes the Heat are positioned for improvement still.

"While we're not in the playoffs, I think we're ahead and set with the pick. We have flexibility."

Riley downplayed adding a "whale" in free agency, and distanced himself from the term he had previously coined, "I regret ever making that statement."