Today is the 79th birthday for Miami Heat president Pat Riley.
Riley has been instrumental to the franchise’s historical success. He coached the Heat to their first NBA championship in 2006. After switching to a front-office role, Riley continued to build two more title-winning rosters in 2012 and 2013.
Riley initially took over a Heat team in 1995 that had won just 32 games during the previous year. He then led the Heat to six straight playoff appearances. Riley was awarded the NBA Coach of the Year award in 1996-97.
After a quick rebuild during the early 2000s, Riley decided to move into a management role. He left the head coaching responsibilities to longtime Heat assistant coach Stan Van Gundy.
Van Gundy led the Heat to the playoffs in 2004 and 2005. Riley changed up the roster during his first two years in the front office. He brought in Shaquille O’Neal, Jason Williams, James Posey, and Gary Payton to the Heat.
Riley reassumed the team’s head coaching role after an 11-10 start to the 2005-06 season. He then coached the Heat to the first NBA championship in franchise history.
Riley returned to the front office in 2008. Shortly after, he was influential in assembling the Heat’s big three of Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh in the 2010 offseason. The Heat made the next four straight NBA finals and won two titles during that span. Riley was also named NBA Executive of the Year in 2011.
Riley has continued to create competitive Heat teams even after the Big Three Era. Riley has found hidden gems like Hassan Whiteside. He has drafted star talents like Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. Riley has even helped the Heat lure top free agents like Jimmy Butler.
Riley’s impact on the Heat has been felt for nearly three decades.
Happy birthday, Pat Riley.
Casey Fahrer is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at caseyfahrer716@gmail.com.
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