Pat Riley, the legendary President of Basketball Operations for the Miami Heat, has long been known for his decisive approach to roster-building and his ability to spot talent. However, according to a Heat legend, Riley once passed on drafting a current star player for the Golden State Warriors, which has become a notable “what if” in NBA history.
This revelation came from former Miami Heat great, Alonzo Mourning, who discussed his experiences with the franchise and some of the decisions made during Riley’s tenure. According to Mourning, Riley refused to draft a player who would later become one of the Warriors’ most prominent stars, a move that some now consider a missed opportunity. While Riley’s reasoning for the decision is understandable in hindsight, it also shows the unpredictable nature of the NBA Draft and how even the most successful franchises sometimes miss on potential.
The Heat’s Draft Strategy and Pat Riley’s Decisions
Pat Riley is known for his calculated approach to team-building, focusing on a mix of veteran leadership and strong defensive play. Since taking over the Heat’s front office in the mid-1990s, Riley has assembled championship-caliber teams, including the 2006 Heat team that won the NBA Finals and the more recent squads that featured stars like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.
However, not all of Riley’s decisions have been without controversy, particularly when it comes to the NBA Draft. Drafting players is often one of the most challenging aspects of managing an NBA team, and some prospects can be difficult to project. While many of Riley’s picks have paid off over the years, there have been some notable misses, including the decision to pass on a current Warriors star.
The Warriors Star Who Went Undrafted by the Heat
The player in question is none other than Draymond Green, a crucial member of the Golden State Warriors’ championship core. Green, drafted by the Warriors with the 35th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, has since gone on to become a three-time NBA champion and one of the best defensive players in the league. His unique skill set—combining elite defense, playmaking, and basketball IQ—has made him the heart and soul of the Warriors’ dynasty.
According to Mourning, Riley and the Heat passed on selecting Green in the 2012 draft, opting instead for players they believed better fit their needs at the time. The decision to pass on Green has been a subject of much discussion, especially given Green’s subsequent success in Golden State. The Warriors’ choice to draft Green turned out to be one of the best picks in franchise history, and he has since developed into an essential piece of their championship runs.
Riley’s Thinking Behind the Decision
At the time, the Heat were coming off a season in which they had reached the NBA Finals, led by LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Miami was looking to continue building around their superstar core, and they needed role players who could complement their star power. Green, while highly regarded for his defensive abilities, was not viewed as a traditional fit for the Heat’s immediate needs. Riley and the Heat’s front office may have seen other players as better prospects for the team’s championship aspirations at the time.
Additionally, Green’s outside shooting and offensive game were seen as weaknesses during his college days at Michigan State. While Green’s defensive prowess was already clear, there were doubts about his ability to contribute offensively at the NBA level. Given the Heat’s focus on surrounding LeBron with shooters and other offensive threats, it’s understandable why Green was not considered the best fit for their roster.
Draymond Green’s Development and Impact
Despite being overlooked by multiple teams in the draft, including the Heat, Green quickly proved his doubters wrong once he joined the Warriors. Under head coach Steve Kerr, Green’s game flourished as he became the cornerstone of Golden State’s defense. His versatility as a forward who could guard multiple positions, his leadership on the court, and his basketball IQ made him invaluable to the Warriors’ success.
Green’s ability to orchestrate Golden State’s offense as a playmaking big man is another aspect of his game that has made him so integral to the Warriors’ success. While his shooting is still a work in progress, his ability to impact the game in multiple ways—whether through defense, rebounding, or facilitating—has allowed him to thrive in the Warriors’ system. Over the years, Green has become a four-time All-Star and has earned NBA Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Green’s defensive tenacity, in particular, has been a major factor in the Warriors’ ability to win championships. His versatility in guarding positions from point guard to center, combined with his leadership on defense, has allowed the Warriors to build a championship-caliber defense around him. Green’s leadership and competitive fire have made him a critical part of the Warriors’ dynasty.
The Heat’s Success and the Road Not Taken
Despite the Heat’s decision to pass on Draymond Green, the team has experienced its own measure of success. Under Pat Riley’s leadership, the Heat have won three NBA championships (2006, 2012, 2013) and have consistently been a competitive team in the Eastern Conference. Riley’s ability to build championship-caliber teams has been a hallmark of his tenure in Miami, and the team has often been in contention, particularly during the era of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.
However, as with any decision in professional sports, it’s easy to look back and wonder how things might have played out differently. Had the Heat selected Draymond Green in 2012, the team could have added an elite defensive player with a unique skill set to their already strong roster. Green’s presence would have likely strengthened the Heat’s defense and added a dynamic playmaker to their lineup. His versatility could have helped the Heat in their battles against other superpowers in the league, including the Warriors themselves.
In hindsight, the decision to pass on Green might be considered one of the most significant “what if” moments in recent NBA history. With Green’s success and the Warriors’ championships, it’s clear that the Heat missed an opportunity to add a player who would have fit seamlessly into their lineup and made an immediate impact. However, it’s important to remember that in the context of the 2012 draft, Green’s future success wasn’t as obvious as it appears now.
Mourning’s Reflection on the Decision
Alonzo Mourning, one of the greatest players in Miami Heat history, has reflected on the team’s decision not to draft Draymond Green. Mourning, who was a central figure in the Heat’s success during the late 1990s and early 2000s, has been involved with the team in various capacities since his retirement. Mourning’s perspective on the decision offers valuable insight into the inner workings of the Heat’s front office at the time.
Mourning has acknowledged that Riley and the Heat’s front office likely had their reasons for passing on Green, but he also sees how the move has become a talking point in NBA circles. The decision to skip over Green is especially relevant in the context of the Warriors’ rise to dominance, as it serves as a reminder that even the most successful franchises can make draft decisions that don’t pan out as planned.