Riley recovering after second surgery in last week

Dmac

Riley recovering after second surgery in last week



Miami Heat coach Pat Riley is on the road to recovery.

On an indefinite leave of absence, Riley has undergone left hip replacement surgery, the team announced Friday.

Riley underwent the 60-minute procedure Thursday at Mercy Hospital. The surgery was performed by Dr. Carlos Lavernia.

It was the second surgery in less than a week for Riley, who underwent a procedure on his right knee Jan. 5.

Riley, who also serves as team president, announced Jan. 3 that he was taking an indefinite leave of absence for health reasons.

Assistant Ron Rothstein has been coaching the NBA champions in Riley's absence. He has split four games since taking over.

Rothstein was the Heat's inaugural coach in 1988. He rejoined the franchise as an assistant in 2003.

The Heat (15-19) have been a disappointment, largely because of injuries to superstars Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade. They are 10th in the Eastern Conference but just one-half game behind Milwaukee for the final playoff spot.

O'Neal, a 13-time All-Star, underwent surgery on his left knee in November and has played only three games this season. He returned to practice Thursday.

The MVP of last year's NBA Finals, Wade returned this week after missing four games with a wrist injury.

After guiding the Heat to their first NBA title last June, Riley waited until August to announce he would come back as coach.

Riley returned to the sidelines in December 2005, replacing Stan Van Gundy. The Heat hit their stride in the postseason and beat the Dallas Mavericks in the Finals, winning four straight after losing the first two games of the series.

It was the fifth championship for Riley, who won his first four with the powerhouse Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s. The third-winningest coach in history, Riley is 408-307 in 10 seasons with Miami.

Credit - ESPN