O’Neal has often been described by Riley as the franchise’s most important acquisition, even more impactful than the arrival of LeBron James years later. Together, O’Neal and Riley led the Heat to the 2006 championship, a triumph that cemented their legacies. But beneath the success, tension built between the Hall of Fame center and the legendary coach, ultimately leading to O’Neal’s departure.

According to Riley, much of that strain stemmed from frustration over injuries. During the 2007-08 NBA season, O’Neal missed extended time with a hip injury, back pain, and ankle issues. Riley believed that Shaq was not fully committed and even accused him of exaggerating his ailments, a stance that widened the rift between them.

On the Straight Game podcast, O’Neal recalled an incident that became the breaking point. He said he came to the defense of teammate Jason Williams during practice, only for Riley to demand that Williams leave. When Shaq pushed back, tensions escalated into a physical altercation. Less than 24 hours later, O’Neal was on a plane out of Miami.

“Jason Williams came half a second late and he [Riley] was like, ‘You need to get out.’ That’s when he got rid of Antoine and all my guys and I had a regular team so we were losing like crazy,” O’Neal said. “I said, ‘He’s not getting out,’ and then he said, ‘You get out.’ I said, ‘Mo*****r put me out.’ So we got into a little scuffle and the next day, I was traded.”

It was a hilarious anecdote in Shaq’s retelling, but it also served as proof of Riley’s no-nonsense approach. The Heat were never a team where even the biggest stars could escape accountability, and Riley’s iron hand showed he was willing to move on from anyone if he felt it was necessary.

O’Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks, a move that marked the start of his decline. He would never again average more than 18 points per game, and while he had productive stints with the Suns, Cavaliers, and Celtics, his time in Miami remains the last chapter of his prime.

“Way different. I thought he was faster, stronger, better when he got to Miami (Heat). It was crazy because I remember sitting, because I sat out the first game we played him in Miami, I believe, and I was just watching and I was like I couldn’t believe. It looked like he was a faster, stronger player at the time because he got under the Spoelstra umbrella, which is like a Pat Riley, like a no, they don’t mess around in that camp,” Paul Pierce said, via Speaking on the Games With Names.

Although LeBron had already become a star in the NBA, it was upon his arrival in Miami that he won his first two championships. But his impact did not end there: in 294 games, he averaged 26.9 points per game, contributing 7.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists. In addition, many remember that version of James as the most physically dominant, as he seemed unstoppable to opposing defenses.

LeBron James opens up about the speculation behind his move to the Miami Heat

After leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers, much discussion arose about LeBron James’ move to Miami, with critics claiming it was fueled by ego and a thirst for titles. To address this chatter, LeBron broke his silence in an interview for the NBA on YouTube. “You know, everyone, I think they misunderstood us for what we were coming together. They all thought we were coming together in a selfish manner.”

LeBron did not stop there; he detailed his time in Miami, hinting at the reason behind the success with the Heat. “In reality, we all made sacrifices. We didn’t care about individual accolades or individual praise. All we cared about was trying to compete for a championship each and every year and do it in a team fashion.”

Heat president Pat Riley delivers bold take on LeBron’s legacy before his arrival to Miami

LeBron James’ arrival at the Miami Heat marked a turning point for the franchise. At 26, he brought with him six All-Star appearances and two MVP awards. While his first season fell short in stats and titles, he led the team to back-to-back championships, solidifying his legacy in the team. Despite his undeniable impact, in 2019, President Pat Riley stirred controversy by questioning the significance of LeBron’s achievements prior to joining Miami.

“LeBron is a great player, but before he came to us, he was banging his head against the wall like all great players that can’t win. His first year [in Miami] was somewhat convoluted, from the standpoint of chemistry. As much as those guys talked around it, you had three significant players who never really got on the same page. They never let it fester, but they never spoke about it way they should have,” Pat Riley said, as reported by Basketball Network.

Ahead of Game 3 between the Pacers and Thunder, James appeared on the “Mind the Game” podcast to share advice for players competing in the NBA’s biggest spotlight. Reflecting on his time under Riley’s mentorship, James emphasized the importance of focus and seizing the moment when playing for a championship.

“If I had to give one piece of advice,” James said, “as much as it is annoying, you take full advantage of it—because it’s not promised you can get there every year or multiple years.” He added that the Finals require a balance between savoring the moment and staying locked in. “Enjoy it, but keep the main thing the main thing. If you can do that, it gives you an edge if your opponent isn’t doing the same.”

James famously joined the Miami Heat in 2010, where he won two titles under the leadership of Pat Riley. That chapter in his career shaped his championship mentality. “He taught me how to win,” James said, underscoring the critical role Riley played in his transformation from a rising talent into a perennial champion.

Naturally, James didn’t sugarcoat the challenge of the Finals, calling it the most grueling stretch of the entire season. While he acknowledged the excitement and privilege of playing for a ring, he also warned of the distractions that come with the grand stage—media attention, spectacle, and heightened pressure.

“These are going to be the hardest four games you’ll ever try to win in your life,” James said. “It’s not going to feel like a normal game. It might feel like an All-Star weekend—or worse, a business production. But you’ve got to embrace it without letting it throw you off.”

James even compared the NBA Finals atmosphere to the Super Bowl, citing comments from NFL players who admitted they disliked the event despite winning it. “They said it didn’t feel like a game—it felt like a business show,” James explained. “That’s what the Finals can feel like too, but I’ll tell you this: it is still fun. It’s very fun.”

Few in league history have experienced the Finals more than LeBron James. The four-time champion has appeared in 10 NBA Finals, including eight straight from 2011 to 2018. In 55 career Finals games, James has averaged 28.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists, cementing his legacy as one of the most prolific postseason performers the league has ever seen.

During his end-of-season press conference Friday, Riley took a moment to honor longtime Spurs head coach Popovich, who recently announced he would step down from coaching due to health concerns. Popovich will transition to a front-office role as the Spurs’ president, while assistant Mitch Johnson takes over head coaching duties.

“When you talk about Pop, I’ve reached out to him. I love him dearly,” Riley said. “And I wish him nothing but the best. He’ll be a great president. He’s loved not only in San Antonio, but throughout the league by players—and that’s very unique. I wish nothing but the best for Pop.”

Riley’s words echo a sentiment felt across the league. With a legendary résumé, Popovich leaves behind a coaching legacy that has influenced generations. His impact extends far beyond San Antonio, and he remains one of the most respected figures in NBA history.

Popovich (1,412) and Riley (1,210) currently rank first and fifth, respectively, on the NBA’s all-time coaching wins list. While Riley built championship-caliber teams with the Lakers, Knicks, and Heat, Popovich remained a one-franchise icon, leading the Spurs to five NBA titles—including their 2014 championship victory over Miami.

Pat Riley addresses Jimmy Butler drama

Jimmy Butler had been the face of the franchise for several seasons, leading the Heat to NBA Finals appearances in 2020 and 2023. But his final campaign in Miami was overshadowed by behind-the-scenes tension and stalled contract talks. In February, Butler was traded to the Golden State Warriors.

“There’s no doubt what happened with Jimmy had a tremendous impact on our team,” Riley admitted during Friday’s media availability. “The buck stopped with me. I’ll take that hit. What happened in the regular season, I don’t want to discuss.”

Butler’s relationship with the front office deteriorated in recent months, with Riley standing firm on his decision not to offer a long-term extension. “I’m not going to apologize for saying no on the contract extension,” Riley said. “I don’t think I should.” As the franchise looks to reset, Riley’s comments made it clear: the Heat will have to forge a new identity—without Butler and with difficult decisions ahead.

NBA insider Marc Stein recently stated that Miami is among the teams reportedly interested in acquiring the forward. “The Heat are frequently forecasted as a team, along with Minnesota, expected to show trade interest this offseason in Phoenix’s Kevin Durant,” he reported.

The 36-year-old still has one year left on his contract with the Suns, but in the final months of what was a disappointing season for the Arizona franchise, there was speculation about a possible early exit. While he dismissed the idea of leaving midseason, the situation may now be different.

KD arrived in Phoenix in February 2023 from the Brooklyn Nets with the goal of bolstering a team that had reached the NBA Finals just two years earlier against the Milwaukee Bucks. However, he failed to make a major impact in the playoffs: The Suns were eliminated in the Western Conference semifinals by the Denver Nuggets in 2023, were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2024, and this year didn’t even qualify for the Play-In Tournament.

What does Pat Riley think?

This week, Pat Riley held a press conference in which he addressed multiple topics, including the team’s recent past and its future. He was asked whether he’s comfortable adding older stars—like Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O’Neal, or Jimmy Butler in previous years—or if he prefers to focus on younger players.

“I think if you take a look at the Warriors, with Draymond (Green) and Steph (Curry) and Jimmy, you got three 35, 36, 37-year-old guys,” Riley began. “I think an aging great, great player who may not be able to carry a team, together they can rise to the occasion in the playoffs. Steph’s injury might hurt them a little bit, but I saw something very unique with that team.”

Riley then applied that example to Miami. “So, for us, yes, if that player is the right name and the contract is the right length, I still think that an aging player can play,” the president explained. “It’s incredible that players, like LeBron (James) and others, that have played into their mid to late thirties and produced at a high level can help teams win championships, and you have to pick out the right one. I’m not against adding that, no.”

What do the Heat need for next season?

It’s undeniable that the conflict and subsequent departure of Jimmy Butler hurt the Heat this year, making them more vulnerable and ultimately leading to an early postseason exit. Given that context, Riley was asked what the team needs to improve and become a true playoff contender.

“Make the roster better, make the offense better, make the defense better,” Pat immediately listed, making it clear he believes the Heat are currently far from that standard. “We have to elevate ourselves up out of the playing to try to get to two, three, four.”

“There’s no doubt what happened with Jimmy had a tremendous impact on our team,” Riley acknowledged during a Friday media session. “The buck stopped with me. I’ll take that hit. What happened in the regular season, I don’t want to discuss.”

His relationship with Butler deteriorated over the past year, particularly after failed contract extension talks. “I’m not going to apologize for saying no on the contract extension. I don’t think I should,” said the Heat president.

Still, Pat had high praise for the small forward. “I love the guy,” said the former championship-winning coach with Miami in 2006. “What happened with Jimmy, as ugly as it was, I don’t want anyone to think that I didn’t appreciate (everything else)… Those things happened. It wasn’t fun.”

Riley reveals details of the Butler trade to Golden State

Once the tension between Jimmy Butler and Miami Heat management became public, trade rumors dominated headlines for weeks. Several NBA teams were linked as possible destinations for the forward, until the deal with the Golden State Warriors was finalized near the trade deadline.

When asked about the negotiations, Riley didn’t hold back. “If you want dissertation on 13 (trades), we will be here a half hour. We were pretty much locked in with one team (Phoenix, according to the Miami Herald). It didn’t happen there,” said the Heat president.

On the trade that ultimately sent Butler to the Warriors, Pat expressed confidence: “We took the deal we felt was best for us now and in the future. We have young players. We have medium age players in their prime. Our draft picks are in better order than what they were. We have a lot of flexibility. That’s where the blueprint will come this summer.”

Riley addresses critics on Heat Culture

In the same press conference, Pat Riley responded to recent comments from former NBA stars questioning the true value of the storied ‘Heat Culture’ that has defined the Florida franchise for decades.

“It’s a narrative put out by other people who don’t know what it’s like here. Our culture has been the culture since we’ve been here,” Riley said. “I’m proud of the culture and what we’ve created. For people who don’t really know, but it’s fashionable to comment on it, to hell with them. Just because there were some issues this year that weren’t culture oriented, but were player oriented, I’ll never change my thoughts.”

“I always said that Kareem was the greatest player of all time because of his longevity,” Riley said in an interview with ESPN in 2023, highlighting Abdul-Jabbar above all the other stars who have passed through the league. “I put Michael (Jordan) in there too. But Kareem was the greatest at that time because of his longevity and the fact that he continued to perform at a high level when he was in his late 30s and 40s.”

Pat went even further, insisting the Showtime Lakers wouldn’t have reached their level of success without their legendary center. “We don’t win championships without the greatest player in the history of the game, who had the greatest weapon in the history of the game. The skyhook was unstoppable,” the coach said. “Last minute of the game, it’s going to one guy… Kareem was the guy, and he’ll always be the guy.”

Riley also shared some of the habits that helped Abdul-Jabbar extend his career across two decades. “His longevity came out of something that most players weren’t aware of back then or didn’t take the time to learn about. Kareem was a practitioner of yoga… I mean, really deep in meditation and yoga,” Pat said. “He would end up in these pretzel-like positions, and our guys would laugh at him, and he would just say, ‘You’ll see one day. You’ll see one day.'”

Pat Riley compares Kareem Abdul Jabbar to LeBron James

That praise for Kareem’s longevity came in 2023, right around the time LeBron James was on the verge of breaking Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record and was also approaching his 20th season in the NBA. “For LeBron to be able to play during this era, from 2003 to now, during this period, it just shows just how great he is as a player,” said Pat.

Around that same time, in a conversation shared on the NBA’s official website, Riley drew comparisons between James and Abdul-Jabbar. “It’s all about LeBron right now, and it should be, with his unique career,” Pat said. “Training, travel, personal chefs, personal trainers, all that stuff has come into play since Kareem. I hope people realize Kareem’s story as well and how different it was. He went to college for four years; LeBron came out of high school. But they both dominated from Day 1. They both turned potential into greatness from Day 1.”

Pat Riley on Michael Jordan

Alongside Kareem, Pat Riley places Michael Jordan at the pinnacle. Riley coached against MJ during the 1980s with the Lakers, and more intensely in the 1990s with the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat. “I don’t think there’s ever a day that his image doesn’t flash in front of my mind,” Riley told the New York Times in 1997. “If you’re a basketball coach, whether you’re reading, watching, or talking, all of a sudden, you get an image of Michael Jordan.”

The Chicago Bulls star even referenced those battles against Riley’s teams during his Basketball Hall of Fame induction in 2009. “You challenged me every time I played the Knicks, the Heat,” Michael recalled. “Any time I played against you, you had Jordan-stoppers on the team.”

That Riley placed such emphasis on game-planning for MJ reveals the deep respect he had for the shooting guard’s ability. “Jordan will always to me be the best of the best of the best,” Pat said on ESPN in 2007. “I don’t think anybody is ever gonna be considered better than the guy that hung from the air. Never.”

Magic Johnson is also the GOAT, according to Riley

In addition to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan, there’s a third player Riley has at times named as the best. “He’s the greatest player of all time,” Pat said about Magic Johnson during a 2017 event in Los Angeles. “He was a winner.”

Reflecting on what Johnson meant to that Lakers team, Riley recalled: “He didn’t have to score because of Kareem and James (Worthy) and everyone else we had… He could’ve scored 30 points a game if he wanted to. And we could’ve won.”

Pat ultimately compared Magic to LeBron James. “LeBron is the closest thing to Earvin that we’ve ever seen because of his size, his speed, his acceleration, his vision – everything that he can do,” Riley said. “The way that LeBron plays the game now – coast to coast, handles the ball, runs the offense – it’s just like Earvin. I mean, same mold. Same DNA. They’re winners.”

Pat Riley’s career with the Lakers

Pat Riley’s first contact with the NBA came as a player. He played shooting guard for the San Diego Rockets from 1967 to 1970, when he joined the Lakers. In 1972, he won his only title as a player there, and a few seasons later ended his playing career with the Phoenix Suns at age 31.

After retiring, Pat briefly worked as a broadcaster until 1979, when the Lakers hired him as an assistant coach under Paul Westhead. In that role, he helped lead the team to a championship in 1980, and just a year later was promoted to head coach following Westhead’s dismissal. That marked the beginning of a golden era for the Los Angeles franchise—“Showtime”—with 7 Finals appearances and 4 titles in 9 years.

Riley in New York and Miami

After his time with the Lakers, Riley coached the New York Knicks from 1991 to 1995, where he was at the center of intense rivalries against Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls and reached the NBA Finals in 1994 against the Houston Rockets. Immediately following that stint, Pat took over as head coach and president of the Miami Heat, eventually guiding the franchise to the top of the league.

With the Heat, Riley earned his final championship as a head coach during the 2005–06 season. Two years later, he stepped down from coaching but remained team president, designing the formation of the Miami “Big Three” with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh—a group that won titles in 2012 and 2013 and reached four straight Finals.

Now 80 years old, Pat Riley continues to serve as president of the Miami Heat and remains one of the most legendary figures in NBA history. Across his various roles, he’s won 9 championships and has participated in almost 25% of all NBA Finals. That remarkable legacy has earned him numerous accolades, including three NBA Coach of the Year awards and induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.

“Pat is a straight shooter,” Johnson said during a recent interview on the Legends of Sport Podcast. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Michael Cooper, Byron Scott, Kurt Rambis, Bob McAdoo, you name it. If you didn’t follow the instructions or blew an assignment, whether it was the best player or number 12 on the team, you’re going to get the same amount of Pat Riley.“

Magic went on to discuss how Riley demanded the best from the players, pushing them to perform at their highest level. “He allowed us to have input, and that’s what made him a great coach, because we were always going to be prepared, and he demanded that we execute his game plan, both on offense and defense,” said the former guard. “And then give 150% and be physical and mean at the same time.”

At the same time, the Lakers legend acknowledged Riley’s ability to impose his authority. “Pat believes in controlling everything. He did a fabulous job of doing just that. He believed that everyone had to be focused and had the goal to win,” explained Johnson. “He wanted to make sure that every detail was under his control. I love that he coached us hard, that he pushed us to greatness. The details matter to him.”

Magic Johnson’s tremendous praise for Pat Riley

In the same interview, Magic Johnson praised his former Lakers coach and recognized the impact Riley has had on the NBA. “I’m just happy that I played for Pat Riley, Hall of Famer, one of the best coaches to ever coach basketball,” said the former point guard.

“I mean, who could say that, right? Go from being one of the two or three best coaches ever in history to now being one of the best executives of all time as well. You talk about greatness. He did that as a coach and now is doing that as an executive. Only Pat Riley,” Magic concluded.

Pat Riley: A Lakers legend

Few NBA icons can match the resume of Pat Riley. He’s held nearly every possible role in the league—from player to media analyst, to assistant coach, head coach, and finally executive—and has excelled in all of them, winning championships wherever he’s gone.

As a player, he was part of the 1972 championship-winning Los Angeles Lakers team. After retiring and briefly working as an assistant broadcaster, he became an assistant to Paul Westhead during the 1980 title run. He then took over the Lakers as head coach in 1981, ushering in a golden era for the franchise.

The Showtime Lakers boasted two of the greatest players of all time in Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, along with other stars like James Worthy and Michael Cooper. They dominated the NBA during the 1980s, alongside the Boston Celtics, reaching the Finals seven times and winning four championships.

Riley after the Lakers

After leaving the Lakers in 1990, Riley took over as head coach of the New York Knicks, transforming them into formidable rivals for Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls and leading them to the NBA Finals against the Houston Rockets in 1994.

In 1996, Riley left New York for Miami, becoming the president and head coach of the Heat, and leading them to their first NBA championship in 2006, with Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade. Since 2008, Riley has not been the head coach but remains the president of the Heat, playing a crucial role in the successful tenure of Erik Spoelstra, guiding the team to back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013.

Pat Riley’s legacy is etched into the DNA of professional basketball. From orchestrating the Showtime Lakers to engineering the Miami Heat’s championship culture, he has long been synonymous with success.

Beyond the rings and iconic moments, his impact runs deep in the business of the game. His executive savvy and longevity have translated into substantial earnings and influence, making him one of the most respected figures in sports history.

As much a strategist as a symbol of sustained excellence, his net worth is a reflection of decades of leadership, loyalty and calculated brilliance. Few in the league’s history have blended image, intellect and income quite like him.

What is Pat Riley’s net worth?

Pat Riley, former basketball coach and player, has an estimated net worth of $120 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. The renowned executive and president of the Miami Heat has been instrumental in the team’s championship successes.

He joined the Heat in 1995 as both head coach and team president. Under his leadership, the team won its first NBA championship in 2006. In 2008, he stepped down as coach to focus solely on his executive duties.

In that role, he was key in assembling the famous “Big Three” in 2010 by acquiring LeBron James and Chris Bosh to play alongside Dwyane Wade, leading to back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013.

Pat Riley’s investments

In addition to his earnings as an executive, Pat Riley has diversified his income streams. He owns the trademark “Three-Peat“, which generates royalties every time the term is used on official products.

AP News revealed that the revenue from this trademark is primarily directed to charitable organizations that support military veterans and their families, such as the Special Operations Warrior Foundation in Tampa, Florida.

The combination of his salary as president of the Heat, his investments and trademark rights has significantly contributed to his considerable net worth, which continues to grow with each passing year.

“I think just naturally, when you’re 80 years old, there’s things you probably don’t understand or get when it comes to the culture of players now,” Lou Williams began by saying during a recent appearance on Run It Back.

“Shouldn’t there at some point a better understanding of what’s going on in 2025 as opposed to what’s used to be? You would think that, right?” the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year considered. “For that, I ask the question when do we start holding our execs accountable on the same level as players when they say you’re too old?”

Is Pat Riley the Heat’s problem?

A few days ago, another former NBA player also took aim at Miami’s president. “They gotta get rid of Pat Riley, man,” Jeff Teague said on his 520 Podcast. When asked by one of his co-hosts if Riley was the organization’s problem, Teague responded without hesitation, “Yes bro.”

Teague then expanded on his statement: “It’s time for the whole organization just to start over. Let Pat Riley just go ahead and retire man, sit down somewhere, you 88. Let’s just start it over. Let Erik Spoelstra run the team, from the top to the bottom. Be the coach and the GM. Just start over.”

Reflecting on those remarks from Teague, Lou Williams opined: “Jeff saying that they need to get rid of Pat Riley, I’m not gonna say they need to go to it because I can’t speak to that based on experience.” However, he then added: “At 80 years old in 2025, with how much the game has changed, it’s evolved, what’s accepted, and how guys carry themselves, and what’s deemed to be a successful way to getting to championships and winning basketball games, why not ask that question?”

Pat Riley’s legacy in Miami

While debates about Pat Riley’s future will likely continue as long as the Heat’s results remain underwhelming, his legacy in Miami is undeniable. He is arguably the most important figure in the franchise’s history, having been both coach and president for Miami’s first title in 2006, and playing a pivotal role as an executive in securing the Heat’s other two championships, in 2012 and 2013.

Though Riley’s time as president will eventually come to an end, the decision to part ways with such an influential and successful figure in the franchise’s history will undoubtedly be a difficult one for the organization to make.

“He’s one of the great players ever. Really… He deserves it. I hope he makes it,” Riley said in an interview with The New York Post. “A tough guard. Can shoot. Good size. Athletic. And carried a franchise in Denver for a long time, went to New York.”

Riley, who is intimately familiar with Anthony’s game after facing him numerous times during his later years as Heat head coach, added: “Always a tough cover so you had to game plan for him every night. And had a great career.”

The Miami Heat president also lauded Carmelo Anthony’s versatility on the court, noting his ability to excel at almost any position. “I think from the standpoint of what they call small forwards, he wasn’t just that,” Riley explained. “He can play small forward, sure. He can play power forward. Back then, we were more positional. He could play the 2-guard. Today, he’d be playing 5. That’s just the way the game has grown.”

Carmelo Anthony’s legacy

Selected third overall in the 2003 NBA Draft, Carmelo Anthony led the Denver Nuggets for eight seasons, including a trip to the Western Conference Finals, where they were eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.

In 2011, Anthony was traded to the New York Knicks, where he became the team’s biggest star since Patrick Ewing‘s retirement. In his final years, the forward played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers, where he retired in 2022.

Over his 19-year NBA career, Carmelo Anthony earned 10 All-Star selections, was named the NBA scoring champion in 2013, and finished his career ranked tenth on the league’s all-time scoring list with 28,289 points—just behind Shaquille O’Neal. Additionally, he won three gold medals and a bronze medal with Team USA in the Olympic Games.

Anthony’s unfinished business

Despite his immense impact on basketball, Carmelo Anthony’s career had one glaring omission: an NBA championship. He was never able to lead his teams to that pinnacle and never reached the NBA Finals. “You have to accept it. You can’t run away from it,” Riley said, reflecting on Anthony’s lack of a title. “I think he always accepted that. It was probably frustrating for him at times because he didn’t win in some of those years.”

However, Riley acknowledged that Anthony’s inability to win a championship likely won’t hurt his Hall of Fame candidacy. “When you’re the face of the franchise, there’s great expectations. And I think that’s part of what the Hall of Fame is about. I think they take that into account. Doesn’t make any difference,” Riley explained. “John Stockton, Karl Malone, Carmelo, Charles Barkley. They had the pressure on them all the time. And they’re all Hall of Famers. Did they win the chip? No. But it didn’t make any difference. They’re being recognized for what they did in their careers.”