Heat Dedicate Home Court to Pat Riley

It was heart-felt and a culmination of all his work for the unofficial mayor of Miami. It was an emotional moment when he saw the final version of the court that now bears his name. It was a sellout crowd. There were over 20,000 fans and supporters to help celebrate Pat Riley’s big night.

That, Riley said, made Wednesday night’s formal naming of Pat Riley Court at Kaseya Center even more meaningful and special.

The signature of the Miami Heat president and former coach is engraved forever more not far from the official NBA logo that features the silhouette of former Riley teammate, coaching partner and friend, the late Jerry West, who passed away earlier this year.

That, Riley said, takes a career full circle, even beyond these last three decades as patriarch of the Heat.

“The thing that I like about it is that, you know, he’s a dear friend of mine, just lost him, we just honored him at the Hall of Fame,” Riley said, “is that my name is right below the logo. The logo’s right there and my name is under it.

“So that makes me feel even better about it. Not a bad place to have someone looking over you.”

But when it was time to end his remarks and close the halftime celebration of “Pat Riley Court,” the Hall of Famer and team president was speaking to just one person — his wife, Chris.

“It will end here one day. And that stamp here and that stamp over there, that’s what it’s all about, sweetie,” Riley said, pointing to the two spots on the court that now bear his signature and name. “We made it. We made it. I love you. Thank you.”

Several former players, Dwyane Wade, Goran Dragic, Mike Miller and Jamal Mashburn among them, came back home for the celebration, and many others sent acknowledgements to Riley. Getting the court named for him was not his idea; Heat managing general partner Micky Arison informed Riley of the plan September 22, catching him completely off guard.

It is a place on the hardwood that coach Erik Spoelstra said deserves particular homage and respect from his players.

“What we’re joking about on the sideline, is if any of our players find a loose ball and it’s anywhere near that name, you better go down head first to come up with that ball,” Spoelstra said prior to Wednesday night’s season opener against Paolo Banchero and the visiting Orlando Magic, with Riley honored at halftime in a ceremony.

“It’s just a really, really cool thing we’re all getting to be a part of. We get to make him uncomfortable for a night. He doesn’t really like all this attention. He’s pushed us in so many ways out of our comfort zones over the years, we get to flip the tables on him, shine the light on him, celebrate him.”

Center Bam Adebayo, who went to the same school as Riley, the University of Kentucky, said the arena already feels like a shrine to Riley.

“You’ve seen the history that he’s created, the atmosphere he’s created,” Adebayo said.

To many on the roster, there is a sense of personal connection and pride.

“The amount of respect that he’s earned from every individual that’s come through here – home team, away team – it’s only right that his name’s on the court,” forward Jimmy Butler said. “And I’m grateful for him allowing me to be me while I’m here, allowing me and trusting in me to help us win some games.”

Riley, 79 years-of-age, joked of the Heats owner Arison deciding now was the time for such an honor. But Spoelstra said he, too, saw no reason to wait and prolong the inevitable.

“He’s as ferocious and focused on the task at hand as he’s ever been,” Spoelstra said. “That’s what inspired us. It motivates us. It keeps us driving toward that goal. Why wait? He still can go for a long time.

“This is just a moment of celebration and acknowledgement for everything he’s done for the organization, the city and all of us.”