Pat Riley has had the form of profession and life that almost all basketball followers solely dream of.
He’s a staple of the league and icon of the sport and is well known as probably the most essential figures in sports activities historical past.
On Thursday, NBA Historical past toasted Riley, who’s celebrating his eightieth birthday.
“Be part of us in wishing a Completely satisfied eightieth Birthday to 1971-72 NBA champion as a participant, 5x NBA champion Head Coach and @Hoophall inductee, Pat Riley!” NBA Historical past wrote with an image that featured lots of his large accomplishments.
Be part of us in wishing a Completely satisfied eightieth Birthday to 1971-72 NBA champion as a participant, 5x NBA champion Head Coach and @Hoophall inductee, Pat Riley! #NBABDAY pic.twitter.com/5YJRl8fOX6
— NBA Historical past (@NBAHistory) March 20, 2025
Riley fairly actually modified a number of groups and maybe your entire league.
Following his years as a participant, Riley turned an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers and ultimately labored his approach as much as the large job in 1981.
Over the next years, he helped the Lakers declare 4 championships earlier than he left for the New York Knicks.
After taking all of them the way in which to the Finals, Riley then took a job with the Miami Warmth and helped that workforce additionally safe a title.
Since then, he has been behind the scenes with that group and is cited as one of many smartest executives within the league.
All coaches look as much as Riley and what he has finished throughout his a few years within the affiliation.
Every workforce he labored with considers him a legend, which says lots about all he achieved.
As a result of he’s now 80, many individuals surprise what’s subsequent for Riley and if retirement may very well be across the nook.
Riley has stayed comparatively quiet about his plans however when he does step away from the sport, it’ll be a tragic day for the NBA.
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