In case there’s any question about Pat Riley’s relationship with Dwyane Wade, he made it clear in a conference call with several media outlets, including AllUCanHeat, that his relationship with the Miami Heat great is as strong as ever, even if it was tested during Wade’s 16-year NBA career.
“It’s just an honor to be there, and for him to be a Miami Heat-lifer to be inducted and to have the Hall of Fame put his jersey in the rafters is gonna be an honor,” Riley said Tuesday afternoon. “I’m just so proud of him. I love him dearly.”
During an almost 30-minute session, Riley spoke about his relationship with Wade, his view of Wade’s career, the Big Three era, Michael Jordan comparisons, and what would have happened if Wade was off the board when the Heat picked fifth in the 2003 draft.
Here are the most interesting quotes:
• On his relationship with Wade: “I coached…