Pat Riley has one of the most commanding nicknames in the world of basketball. Simply being called ‘The Godfather’ shows the incredible respect people around the league have for him, as Riley is arguably one of the greatest basketball minds to have ever lived. He’s won titles as a player, assistant coach, head coach, and executive, collecting 9 rings over his career.
Riley played alongside Jerry West to win his first title, was an assistant coach when Magic Johnson was a rookie, and then led that same Lakers team as coach to multiple championships. He went to New York but left the team for the Heat, who gave him control of the franchise in a way the Knicks refused to.
Despite being 77, it seems Riley will continue leaving a mark on the game in the foreseeable future, announcing his intention to continue on as Heat President while telling the journalists he could do more push-ups than them even at his age.
Pat Riley on his future: “The dragon hasn’t left my body yet from that loss. I was stunned. I was frustrated. I was angry. I’m beginning to move on past all of that. I haven’t given that any thought at all. I’m 77 years old. And right now I can do more push-ups than you.”
— Ruthie Polinsky (@ruthiepolinsky) June 6, 2022
Riley is a basketball addict in many ways, as he absolutely loves the game. Calling him a basketball addict doesn’t carry negative connotations, as his love for basketball has always been known to everyone. very few millionaires are motivated to continue working as the President of an organization at the age of 77. Riley loves this game and he loves his team.
The question of what comes after Riley is one that many Heat fans have been dreading for years. Thankfully, they can kick that conversation down the road as Riley looks adamant to see out the Heat’s ongoing championship window with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
There is no question Riley could continue leading this Heat team, as he has been doing a great job with it to make them competitive again this season after a first-round sweep last year. They will look to avenge their Eastern Conference Finals loss from this season next year.
