Pat Riley's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Pat Riley.

Pat Riley is a prominent figure in the NBA, renowned as a former player, coach, and executive. Currently the president of the Miami Heat since 1995, he also held head coaching positions with the team for multiple terms. Riley's career spans various roles within professional basketball, highlighting his significant impact and long-standing presence in the league.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1957: Referenced Historic Sweep

In 2007, when the Heat were swept in the first round of the playoffs, it was noted that they were the first defending champions swept in the first round since the Philadelphia Warriors in 1957.

1965: First Team All-SEC

In 1965, Pat Riley was named First Team All-SEC, All-NCAA Tournament Team, NCAA Regional Player of the Year, SEC Player of the Year and AP Third Team All-American.

1969: Best Regular Season Record

In 1993, Pat Riley led the Knicks to their best regular season record in team history, tying the record set by the 1969-1970 team.

1970: Best Regular Season Record

In 1993, Pat Riley led the Knicks to their best regular season record in team history, tying the record set by the 1969-1970 team.

1972: NBA Championship with the Lakers

In 1972, Pat Riley played a significant role as a reserve on the Los Angeles Lakers' NBA Championship team, marking a significant achievement in his playing career.

1980: NBA Championship as an Assistant Coach

In 1980, Pat Riley won an NBA championship as an assistant coach.

1982: NBA Championship as Head Coach

In 1982, Pat Riley won an NBA championship as a head coach.

1985: NBA Title in Rematch

In 1985, Pat Riley earned his second NBA title as the Lakers beat the Celtics in six games, in a rematch of the previous year's final.

1985: NBA Championship as Head Coach

In 1985, Pat Riley won an NBA championship as a head coach.

1987: NBA Title with Lakers

In 1987, Pat Riley coached the Lakers to an NBA title, defeating the Celtics in six games and finishing the regular season with a 65-17 record.

1987: NBA Championship as Head Coach

In 1987, Pat Riley won an NBA championship as a head coach.

1987: Lakers' NBA Championship

Pat Riley's 1988 book recapped the Lakers' successful run to the 1987 NBA Championship.

1988: NBA Championship as Head Coach

In 1988, Pat Riley won an NBA championship as a head coach.

1988: Repeat Championship

In 1988, Pat Riley's Lakers won the NBA title, defeating the Detroit Pistons in seven games, making them the first team in 19 years to repeat as champions and fulfilling Riley's guarantee.

1989: NBA Coach of the Year

In 1989, Pat Riley was named NBA Coach of the Year as head coach of the Lakers.

1992: NBA Coach of the Year

In 1992, Pat Riley was named NBA Coach of the Year as head coach of the New York Knicks.

1993: Best Regular Season Record

In 1993, Pat Riley led the Knicks to their best regular season record in team history and received his second Coach of the Year award. They lost to the Bulls in the Eastern Conference finals.

1996: Named One of 10 Greatest Coaches in NBA History

In 1996, Pat Riley was named one of the 10 Greatest Coaches in NBA history.

1997: Coach of the Year

In 1997, Pat Riley's Heat defeated his old team, the Knicks, and advanced to the Eastern Conference finals, where they were defeated by the eventual champion Bulls. Riley was also selected as Coach of the Year for the third time.

2005: Heat's NBA Championship

On February 27, 2007, the Miami Heat were honored at the White House for their 2005–2006 NBA Championship.

June 2, 2006: Heat Win Eastern Conference Finals

On June 2, 2006, Riley's Heat team defeated the Detroit Pistons in the 2006 Eastern Conference finals, marking the first time the Miami Heat reached the NBA Finals.

2006: NBA Championship with the Heat

In 2006, Pat Riley, as head coach, won an NBA championship with the Miami Heat.

2006: Heat's NBA Championship

On February 27, 2007, the Miami Heat were honored at the White House for their 2005–2006 NBA Championship.

February 27, 2007: Heat Honored at White House

On February 27, 2007, the Miami Heat were honored at the White House for their 2005–2006 NBA Championship. Pat Riley made political comments that were later questioned.

2008: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2008, Pat Riley was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach, solidifying his legacy in the sport.

2011: Named NBA Executive of the Year

In 2011, Pat Riley was named the NBA Executive of the Year.

June 20, 2012: Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award

On June 20, 2012, Pat Riley received the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award from the NBA Coaches Association, recognizing his significant contributions to the sport.