Miami Heat announce huge honor for Pat Riley

Sep 22, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat president Pat Riley address reporters during a press conference at AmericanAirlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Heat on Monday announced their plans to honor Pat Riley in a big way.

The Heat are dedicating the name of their court to Riley, which will be “Pat Riley Court at Kaseya Center” from now on. The Heat shared a video on social media Monday that showed team owner Micky Arison sharing the news with Riley.

“Are you kidding me?” Riley says in response to Arison telling him about the honor. “That wasn’t the goal, but I appreciate it.”

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

The honor comes as Riley enters his 30th season with the Heat franchise. The 79-year-old Riley became the team’s president in 1995. He also served as the team’s head coach from 1995-2003 and again from 2005-2008.

Since Riley took over as team president, the Heat have won three championships and reached the finals four other times. They have missed the playoffs just six times since 1995.

Overall, Riley has been a part of nine championships, either as a player, assistant coach, head coach or executive. He has been a part of the Heat in all but seven of the former expansion team’s seasons.