Los Angeles celebrated a true icon of basketball and style this past weekend with the unveiling of a statue honoring Pat Riley outside the Crypto.com Arena. The statue, depicting the legendary coach in a meticulously tailored Armani suit, isn’t just a tribute to his on-court achievements, but a recognition of his lasting influence on how leaders present themselves – a legacy that extends far beyond the hardwood.
Riley, now 80 years old, boasts a remarkable career. He secured four NBA championships as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s, and was also a key player on the team’s 1972 championship squad. Later, as president of the Miami Heat since 2008, he added another championship to his resume as their head coach in 2006. But it was his transition to the sidelines that truly cemented his status as a style icon, a fact recognized even by the fashion industry.
The statue’s attire – the Armani suit – speaks volumes. In 1989, Riley graced the cover of GQ magazine, a testament to his impact on popular culture. “That was a mind blower for me,” Riley reportedly said, reflecting on the unexpected honor. The cover appearance wasn’t simply about aesthetics. it signaled a shift in how coaches were perceived – as leaders who commanded respect through both their strategic acumen and their presentation.
That influence reached Hollywood, too. Michael Douglas, the actor who famously portrayed Gordon Gekko in Wall Street, was so inspired by Riley’s look that he sought out the coach’s style for the role. Douglas even attended the statue unveiling on Sunday to pay his respects, acknowledging Riley’s contribution to the character’s iconic image. Riley’s sartorial choices, originating with a connection to Mr. Armani in Milan in 1978, became synonymous with power and success.
The unveiling also prompted Riley to weigh in on the current state of NBA sideline fashion. Speaking to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Riley expressed a desire to see coaches return to a more formal dress code. “What a coach should wear, I wish it went back to coat and ties,” he said. “I think an audience wants to see somebody on the sidelines who’s, who looks like a leader, dresses like a leader, acts like a leader.”
Riley’s preference for a more polished look isn’t merely about personal taste. He believes that presentation is integral to leadership, and that coaches should embody the authority and respect they expect from their players and fans. He contrasted the current trend of casual sideline attire – often consisting of half-zips and t-shirts – with the commanding presence a suit and tie can project.
The sentiment resonated with some, prompting a nostalgic look back at coaches who embraced a more sophisticated style. Terry Stotts, the former head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, was highlighted as an example, having sported a tartan suit in 2014 as a tribute to legendary Blazers coach Dr. Jack Ramsay. The contrast between Stotts’ deliberate sartorial choice and the ubiquitous casual wear of today’s coaches underscores Riley’s point.
While a league-wide mandate for suits and ties may not be imminent, Riley’s statue serves as a potent reminder of a time when coaches were as much style icons as they were strategic masterminds. It’s a call for a return to a standard of presentation that Riley believes reflects the gravity and importance of the role. The statue isn’t just a celebration of a basketball legend; it’s a statement about the power of image and the enduring legacy of a man who understood that leadership extends beyond the game plan and into the realm of personal style.
Riley’s own wardrobe, remarkably, required little updating for the occasion. He simply retrieved vintage Armani pieces from his closet, having them recut for a more contemporary fit. A testament to the timelessness of both the style and the man himself.
