Heat plays on Pat Riley Court; NBA legend honored with hype video | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

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

“Naming the dish after me would have made my parents very proud. It’s a great honor for me, Chris and my family,” said Riley said in a statement. “I can only thank (Heat general manager Micky Arison) and the Arison family from the bottom of my heart for this honor. And to all the players, coaches, staff and super fans, I say thank you.”

As Miami’s head coach, Riley compiled a 454-395 record and led the team to eight playoff appearances and one title in 11 seasons.

During his tenure as team president, the Heat acquired players such as 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’s retirement in 2008, the Heat have won two titles and reached six NBA Finals.

It can be argued that Riley is the most important character in Heat’s story.

“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 is only fitting that his name is forever engraved on the hardwood where we are reminded every day 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 four straight playoff appearances in the early 1990s, reaching the NBA Finals in the 1993-94 season reached.

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

Auerbach is the only other coach in NBA history to have a place named after him. The Boston Celtics play on the red Auerbach parquet floor at TD Garden.