Well, even though the Miami Heat made it to the playoffs one way or another, nobody would have guessed the fate that would befall the team in the first round. The Cleveland Cavaliers came like a hurricane, leaving devastation for the Heats at their wake. Their hopes for the season collapsed one game at a time. The final game? A 55-point humiliation at home. Offense disappeared. Defense was invisible. Herro vanished after the first bucket. Fans barely had time to cheer. So, when rumors of Pat Riley’s retirement swirled, could anyone be shocked?

Yet Riley didn’t even flinch. In his postseason press conference, he killed the noise. “The new 80 is the new 60,” he declared, “I’m competitive as hell. I love being in the bowl. I got a little depressed after the last two games.” Some thought he might walk away after back-to-back first-round exits. Instead, he shared how a talk with Heat owner Micky Arison reignited his competitive fire. “They said carry on, Pat. I’m going to carry on and try to make this thing better.” That kind of fire doesn’t burn out easily.

Now, here’s where it gets more interesting. As Riley doubles down on rebuilding, Dwyane Wade is charting his own course. He’s guest-editing Players magazine and decided to pay tribute to his former coach. The theme? Armani. Because Pat didn’t just win games, he brought style to the sideline. Wade called Riley one of his biggest influences, calling him a role model along with entities like Dennis Rodman, Allen Iverson.

He recalled the problems athletes had to face in the old times. Wade claimed, “Athletes are very long, and we’re very gangly, and no one wanted to make special clothes for us at that time.” But Wade isn’t just looking back. He sees a future where athletes lead in fashion.

When asked about brand collabs, Dwyane Wade said, “I think it’d be great for brands to collaborate more with athletes.” To him, it’s about impact, not just appearances. Brands team up with celebs all the time. “They collaborate with a lot of other celebrities, and I would love to have more athlete voices in fashion, not just showing up, but really having a big impact.”

Why not let players step in with their full voice, not just their image? So here we are. One legend refuses to retire. Another is redefining what influence looks like. And the best part is that the story’s not over. It’s evolving, still.

Reddick’s fiery debut sparks Pat Riley comparisons from Lakers legend

The comparisons started early, but now they’re starting to stick. When the Lakers handed JJ Reddick the reins, many questioned the move. A former player with no head coaching experience? It felt risky. But Reddick silenced critics with a 50-win season and a clear command of his locker room. That confidence? It reminded Lakers legend Mychal Thompson of someone else—Pat Riley. And he didn’t hold back in making that connection.

“They are very arrogant in their knowledge of the game,” Thompson said. “They are demanding, they treat you like men, as long as you are accountable, they are very intense.” Coming from someone who played under Riley, that’s not light praise. Reddick’s early edge and sharp mind echoed the traits Riley showed in his first coaching days. The ability to lead men, not just manage them, that’s what Thompson saw in both.

While Reddick’s journey is just starting, Riley’s continues deep into his 80s. He isn’t stepping away, despite calls for retirement. Instead, he’s proving that great basketball minds don’t age out, they adapt. Redick now stands where Riley once stood, with pressure mounting, after the Lakers lost the first round of the playoffs. Many are starting to question his decisions during Game 4 to not rotate the players.

Will Reddick be able to make a strong comeback? Only time will tell.