NBA: Riley awarded Chuck Daly Lifetime Award

Miami Heat president Pat Riley. AFP FILE PHOTO

MIAMI – Miami Heat president Pat Riley, who won five NBA titles as a head coach, was named the winner of the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Basketball Coaches Association announced Tuesday.

Riley was widely recognized as one of the most influential coaches in the history of the NBA. His NBA career has spanned 43 years as a player, assistant coach, head coach, broadcaster and now team president.

In a 24-year coaching career, he compiled a 1,210-694 won-loss record while guiding the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and New York Knicks.

“He’s a pretty special guy in my book,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said of Riley on Tuesday. “I will always be grateful for the opportunities he’s given me.”

Riley also coached in nine All-Star games and his 21 total playoff appearances as a head coach was the most in NBA history.

Riley was named to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.