Heat to Play on 'Pat Riley Court'; NBA Legend Honored with Hype Video

The Miami Heat announced Monday that the organization will be honoring Hall of Fame coach and current team president, Pat Riley, by naming the court at the Kaseya Center after him.

Riley, 79, has been a member of the Heat organization since 1995, first as both the head coach and team president. He stepped down as the head coach in 2003, took over the post again in 2005 and stepped down for a second time in 2008, though he remained team president.

"Naming the court after me would have made my parents very proud. It is a great, great honor for myself, Chris and my family," Riley said in a statement. "I can only say thank you from the bottom of my heart to [Heat managing general partner Micky Arison] and the Arison family for this honor. And to all the players, coaches, staff and super fans, I say Thank You."

As Miami's head coach, Riley went 454-395, leading the team to eight playoff appearances and a title across 11 seasons.

His team presidency has seen the Heat add players like Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O'Neal, LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Jimmy Butler, among others. Under Erik Spoelstra, who took over as head coach after Riley stepped down in 2008, the Heat have won two titles and reached six NBA Finals.

There is an argument to be made that Riley is the most important figure in Heat history.

"Thirty years, three championships, countless moments—none of it would have been possible without Pat Riley at the helm of the ship," Arison said in a statement. "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."

Before joining the Heat, Riley won four titles with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s and led the New York Knicks to the playoffs four straight times in the early 1990s, reaching the NBA Finals in the 1993-94 season.

His 1,210 regular-season wins rank fifth all time among NBA head coaches, while his 171 postseason wins are second in league history behind only Phil Jackson (229). Additionally, his five titles are tied for third in NBA history with Gregg Popovich and John Kundla, trailing only Jackson (11) and Red Auerbach (nine).

Auerbach is the only other coach to have a court named after him in NBA history. The Boston Celtics play on the Red Auerbach Parquet Floor at the TD Garden.