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via Imago

via Imago

Over the last five seasons, Miami Heat have missed on the play-offs thrice. Not a trait that you would associate teams under Pat Riley with.

With Riley as the team president since 1995, Miami Heat has built some of the most enviable teams in NBA. Even before his time in Miami, Riley has won multiple title as a coach of the Los Angeles Lakers and nearly guided the New York Knicks to a Championship.

He has coached teams to the NBA Championship five times. He was the coach of the year on three occasions- 1989-90 (Los Angeles Lakers), 1992-93 (New York Knicks), 1996-97 (Miami Heat).

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As the head coach of Miami, Riley brought Dwayne Wade and Shaquille O’Neal together, leading the team to its first NBA Championship.

Later as the president of the franchise, Riley has been hugely influential in building a big-three at Miami Heat in the early 2010s with LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade. With the Big-three, Miami won back-to-back Championships in 2012 and 2013.

But since the departure of LeBron James, Miami have failed to build another super team. ESPN insider Brian Windhorst now believes that the time is near.

 

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After signing Jimmy Butler in the pre-season, Miami seem to have found a player to build around. They also have another All-Star in Ben Adebayo. Windhorst believes that in the next 12 to 18 months, Pat Riley can sign another All-Star forming another Big-three and thus another superteam at Miami.

Miami Heat have been nearly unbeatable at home

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The Heat have started the 2019/20 season on a high. A play-off spot looks nearly guaranteed unless there is a dramatic turnaround. Miami are currently third in the Eastern Conference with a 0.692 record winning 27 out of 39 games. At home, they have been almost unbeatable with a 17-1 record.