Archive · 2 Jun 2025
Pat Riley Nearly Passed on Dwyane Wade in 2003 NBA Draft
Pat Riley, the Miami Heat's boss, almost made a big mistake!
He almost didn't choose Dwyane Wade to play for the team in 2003.
Riley wasn't sure Wade was the best choice at first, as he was looking at point guards and centers.
But the Heat picked Wade anyway.
Wade turned out to be amazing!
He helped the team get to the playoffs quickly.
Then, with some help from Shaquille O'Neal, Wade helped the team win the NBA championship.
This one decision helped build a winning legacy.
Pat Riley, Miami Heat president, admitted he nearly didn't draft Dwyane Wade in 2003.
Riley initially favored point guards and centers over Wade, the Heat had the fifth pick.
The Heat drafted Wade on June 26, 2003, in New York City.
Wade quickly became a star, leading the team to the Eastern Conference Finals in his second season.
Wade, along with Shaquille O'Neal, led the Heat to win the NBA title in 2006, where Wade was named Finals MVP.
- Who
- Pat Riley and Dwyane Wade.
- What
- Pat Riley nearly didn't draft Dwyane Wade in 2003.
- When
- The 2003 NBA Draft and a May 31, 2024, interview.
- Where
- New York City (draft location).
- Why
- Riley was unsure about Wade initially.
- Pat Riley's Role
- President of the Miami Heat
- Year of the NBA Draft
- 2003
- Miami Heat's Draft Pick
- Fifth Pick
- Team
- Miami Heat
- Year Heat won NBA title
- 2006
- Draft Location
- New York City