NBA Legend Pat Riley's Latest Coaching Take Draws Attention

When the Lakers immortalized Riley's contribution to the team by unveiling his statue on Crypto.com Arena's Star Plaza, the former Lakers head coach and current Miami Heat teaam president shared his thoughts on recent NBA coaching trends.

Pat Riley's Comments on Coach Outfits Gain Comments From Fans

During the ceremony, Riley felt that head coaches have gotten too relaxed with how they present themselves to the public.

He revealed that he wishes suits and ties would become a thing among head coaches again. "I think when fans look over at the sidelines, they want to see someone that looks liek a leader," he explained, per ESPN's Ramona Shelbourne.

Fans shared their reaction to the NBA legend's take.

A basketball fan was in full agreement with the former coach before making a connection with another sport. "I agree," they commented. "I feel the same in baseball, too. Managers should wear a suit, not a baseball uniform."

Another commenter disagreed with Riley's take, saying that leadership doesn't have to be presented with clothing. "Times are [(and have) changed] and you don't need a suit to be a leader," they reasoned. "If anything, the younger generation (now, more than ever) [feels] like they can't connect or relate to old dudes in suits."

One fan saw the bigger picture and made a scathing commentary on society. "We've lowered our standards and expectations on so many things in society," they wrote.

Another directly questioned why this wasn't implemented in his team. "What's stopping the Heat from implementing this rule themselves first?" they asked.

A follower couldn't care less about this nitpick from the Laker great. "I'm a huge NBA fan and I don't care what coaches wear," they wrote.

Finally, another NBA follower took the high road when he disagreed with the long-time coach. "Respectfully disagree with the Godfather," they said. "Seeing guys' pit stains wasn't a good look, however infrequent."