Pat Riley has had the sort of career and life that most basketball fans only dream of.
He is a staple of the league and icon of the game and is celebrated as one of the most important figures in sports history.
On Thursday, NBA History toasted Riley, who is celebrating his 80th birthday.
“Join us in wishing a Happy 80th Birthday to 1971-72 NBA champion as a player, 5x NBA champion Head Coach and @Hoophall inductee, Pat Riley!” NBA History wrote with a picture that featured many of his massive accomplishments.
Join us in wishing a Happy 80th Birthday to 1971-72 NBA champion as a player, 5x NBA champion Head Coach and @Hoophall inductee, Pat Riley! #NBABDAY pic.twitter.com/5YJRl8fOX6
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) March 20, 2025
Riley quite literally changed multiple teams and perhaps the entire league.
Following his years as a player, Riley became an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers and eventually worked his way up to the big job in 1981.
Over the following years, he helped the Lakers claim four championships before he left for the New York Knicks.
After taking them all the way to the Finals, Riley then took a job with the Miami Heat and helped that team also secure a title.
Since then, he has been behind the scenes with that organization and is cited as one of the smartest executives in the league.
All coaches look up to Riley and what he has done during his many years in the association.
Each team he worked with considers him a legend, which says a lot about all he achieved.
Because he is now 80, many people wonder what’s next for Riley and if retirement could be around the corner.
Riley has stayed relatively quiet about his plans but when he does step away from the game, it’ll be a sad day for the NBA.
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