November has become Riley-bashing month. Refugees of Pat Riley's Miami Heat regime have wasted no time getting in their two cents' worth as it has become apparent that Riley is headed for the worst season of his coaching career.

Miami's 2-9 start is the worst since its 1988-89 expansion season (1988-89). With no guarantee of ever getting Alonzo Mourning back and with restraints finally placed on his once unlimited budget, it appears Riley is headed for his first losing season in 20 years as a coach of the Lakers, Knicks and Heat.

Tim Hardaway and Anthony Mason, who played in Miami as recently as last season, unloaded their resentment toward their former coach.

"I don't see Riley winning a championship again," said Hardaway, who was traded to Dallas in August. "It's going to be hard because he's not going to have the same type of players he wants. Guys 10 years ago would want to be in that philosophy; now a lot of people have heard things and guys don't want to play there. And he's not capable of changing.

"Everyone who has left is bitter because of Pat Riley. He doesn't let the players be themselves."

Hardaway arrived in Miami in February, 1996, just a few months after Riley. He has been one of the Heat's great money players. But now he claims he was never properly compensated and didn't enjoy it much.