Pat Riley is a name that resonates with basketball greatness, and while his legacy with the Lakers is monumental, his impact on the Miami Heat is equally profound. Recently, the Lakers honored Riley with a statue, commemorating his contributions to their storied franchise. In a heartfelt conversation in Los Angeles, with Dwyane Wade by his side, Riley paid homage to Wade's illustrious career with the Miami Heat.
Reflecting on Wade's journey, Riley shared, “He came in as a rookie…He was great. He was gifted.
He was talented… I never saw a young man work harder than Dwyane Wade to become one of the greatest players ever. Definitely the greatest player in the history of the Miami Heat.”
Wade's claim to being the greatest in Heat history is well-earned. He joined the team in 2003 and played until 2016, with brief stints at the Bulls and Cavaliers, before returning to Miami in 2018 and retiring in 2019.
During his time with the Heat, Wade secured three NBA championships, including a standout performance in the 2006 NBA Finals. His efforts in the Heat's epic comeback against the Mavericks were legendary, averaging 34.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists.
Wade dazzled with two 40-point games in that series, dropping 42 in Game 3 and 43 in Game 4.
Wade's excellence continued during the Big Three era, where he teamed up with LeBron James to capture two more championships. With 13 NBA All-Star selections, 8 All-NBA selections, and the 2006 NBA Finals MVP award, Wade was rightfully named among the NBA's Top 75 players in 2021, solidifying his place in Miami Heat lore.