Part 2/10:
Riley's story begins on the bottom rung of the professional basketball ladder. Drafted seventh overall by the San Diego Rockets in 1967, he entered the league as a role player rather than a superstar. Averaging only 7.4 points per game during his early years, Riley's career was defined by his relentless work ethic and fear of losing his position. His ability to adapt and embrace the roles that he was assigned would become foundational to his later coaching style.