Heat dedicate court to ex-coach, current president Pat Riley - ESPN

MIAMI — Pat Riley stood in front of 20,000 people Wednesday night. And they all seemed to be cheering as the Miami Heat officially dedicated their home court in his honor.

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.»

Plenty of former players — Dwyane Wade, Goran Dragic, Mike Miller and Jamal Mashburn among them — came back 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 told Riley of the decision Sept. 22, catching him completely by surprise.

«This is beyond even my imagination of a reward for a man's life's work,» Riley said. «We are huge dreamers and Micky has made mine. It wasn't something I wanted or pursued, but I'm going to take it.»

Riley came to Miami in 1995 to become coach and team president. He stepped down from coaching twice — first in 2003, then again and for good in 2008 — but not before leading Miami to its first NBA title in 2006.

When he gave up coaching for the final time, he promoted Erik Spoelstra to be his replacement. Spoelstra is entering Year 17 in the role.

«I just think it's a really special moment, not only for myself but for so many of us in the building,» said Spoelstra, who — along with the rest of his coaches — wore Nike Cortez sneakers Wednesday as a tribute to Riley, who preferred them when he