Pat Riley is basketball royalty. A star player on Adolph Rupp’s legendary 1966 Kentucky national runner-up team, a multi-time champion as a player with the Lakers, and one of the most decorated coaches and executives in NBA history. His resume is virtually untouchable.
But even legends aren't immune to a good-natured roast from an old rival.
Clyde takes his shot
During the Miami Heat’s recent game against the New York Knicks, the broadcast cameras focused on Riley, now the Heat's President, sitting courtside. Knicks icon and legendary broadcaster Walt “Clyde” Frazier seized the moment to deliver a playful zinger.
Recalling their playing days in the late 60s and early 70s, Frazier quipped:
“Riley and I entered the league the same year. He tried to guard me — and that’s how he ended up as a coach.”
Walt Clyde Frazier:
— Teg🚨 (@IQfor3) October 26, 2025
“Pat Riley and me entered the league the same year, he tried to guard me and that’s how he ended up as a coach”
😂😂😂
pic.twitter.com/fi34wduiGc
A legendary rivalry
The comment drew laughs, a lighthearted jab between two Hall of Famers who battled countless times on the court. Frazier, known for his flashy style and scoring prowess, was one of the premier guards of his era. Riley, though drafted 7th overall in 1967 (and also by the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL Draft), carved out a solid nine-year NBA career primarily as a tough, intelligent role player, winning a title with the 1972 Lakers before retiring in 1976.
While Frazier's joke was made in jest, there's a kernel of truth,Riley's profound understanding of the game was evident even as a player, paving the way for his legendary coaching career which included five NBA titles. Then he just went on to win 2 more as an executive. Not too shabby.
Frazier's roast was a fun reminder of the long history shared by two basketball icons, and perhaps a subtle nod to the fact that Riley's transition from player to sideline strategist worked out pretty well in the end.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion