Three-time NBA champions Miami Heat announced on Monday, that they will be honouring team president, Pat Riley, for his years of service towards the Eastern Conference franchise.
The team revealed that it will dedicate its Kaseya Center court, as well as any future courts, to Riley, with the official unveiling set for opening night of the 2024-25 NBA season, his 30th season with the Heat.
Riley, a former Heat coach guided the franchise to its three titles – one as a coach in 2006, and the other two as an executive in 2012 and 2013 whilst leading the franchise’s front office. He had two coaching stints with Miami, first from 1995-2003 before returning in 2005 for a three-year period until 2008.
“Thirty years, three championships, countless moments — none of it would have been possible without Pat Riley at the helm of the ship,” Managing General Partner, Micky Arison, said in a statement from the Heat.
“Pat has accomplished so much for this franchise and this city that it’s only fitting his name is forever etched on the hardwood where every day we will be reminded of his impact on the game and the Heat.”
From now on we’ll be playing on “Pat Riley Court at Kaseya Center” 🏀
We’ll be dedicating our court and honoring Pat on Opening Night as he goes into his 30th season. Be in the building – https://t.co/VgDac1hpEc pic.twitter.com/tRJBj5WnC7
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 7, 2024
This move will see Riley join the great Red Auerbach as the only other coach in NBA history to have his name on a court. Auerbach’s name is on the Boston Celtics’ TD Garden home, where he won 16 titles in 29 years as a coach and an executive
Riley’s time as an executive in Miami, has blessed the franchise with some of the best players and talents in league history like LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, Ray Allen, Alonzo Mourning, Chris Bosh, Goran Dragic, and Jimmy Butler.
“This has been one hell of a journey that Micky and I have taken together over the last 30 years,” Riley said in the team’s statement. “The goal from day one was to win, and win big. We did. We won championships, sprayed each other with champagne, had parades, celebrated on this floor, in this arena, in the streets with our great fans and hung the names of our greatest players from the rafters. Naming the court after me would have made my parents very proud. It is a great, great honor for myself, Chris and my family.”
The Heat will tip off their season against the Orlando Magic.
