Okay, it’s nice to say that, but Van Gundy took the Heat to the conference finals. If Riley thinks he’s better, than he’s at least got to get them to the NBA Finals. That’s a tall order, given that the Detroit Pistons, who are playing better than they did last year when they took the Spurs to a seventh game, stand in the way.

It’s almost a no-win situation for Riley. It’s all but required that he get to the Finals, which is like managing the Yankees; even when you win, you lose.

You have to admire Riley for taking on that kind of challenge, just as you have to give him credit for still having the kind of supreme confidence a coach has to have to thrive in this league.

And you have to admit that if the Heat has another level to get to, it’s hard to think of anyone better than Riley to get them there. It’s not that Van Gundy wasn’t a good coach. It’s just that players listen to guys who have won titles, guys who are certified legends.

Certainly O’Neal, who first struck gold with the legendary Phil Jackson, has to respect Riley in a way he could never respect Van Gundy. And in his first game back, Shaq looked positively frisky. Heck, he even hit six of his nine free throws.

Afterwards, it was smiles all around. The legend had returned and he won his debut. And even though he won’t be judged on what he does in his first game of the season, but by what he does in his last game, Riley had established his presence.

“He wants to add to his legacy,” Shaq told the cameras and notepads after the game. “I want to add to my legacy. I think it’s a good match.”

Yes, it is, big guy. But only if you both win.

MORE FROM NBA

NBA Section Front

Celtics sink Knicks on Garnett’s buzzer-beater   Stoudemire, Nash lead Suns past Pistons, 117-91   Haslem's jumper leads Heat past Hornets, 102-101 Carter, Howard power Magic to fifth straight win With strong class, point guard is back Live updates on Sunday's NBA games   Vote: Will Nets set mark for worst start to season? Opinion: So far, Nowitzki is the league’s MVP Fan ranker: Who will be MVP of the NBA? Live odds   NBA Section Front   Add NBA headlines to your news reader: