The Miami Heat began to play in the NBA in 1988 and didn’t have that many good seasons, but they became a competitive franchise in the mid-1990s and went on to win three NBA championships. The Miami Heat have had many incredible players in their history, including some of the legends of this game. On that note, let’s have a look at the 10 best players in the Miami Heat franchise history.
10. Udonis Haslem
Udonis Haslem began his NBA career with the Miami Heat and spent his whole career with the franchise. Haslem was not an extraordinary player, but he has remained loyal to the franchise and played his entire 20-year career with the Heat, becoming one of the best players in franchise history. He ranks first in franchise history in rebounds, fourth in win shares, seventh in points, tenth in steals and tenth in blocks. The franchise announced on December 22, 2023, that Haslem’s 40-number jersey will be officially retired on January 19, 2024.
9. Hassan Whiteside
Whiteside began his NBA career with the Sacramento Kings in 2010 and then, after playing two seasons with them, he joined the Miami Heat. Hassan played five seasons with the franchise, averaging 14.1 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game. He was one of the most efficient centers in the league. He ranks fifth in franchise history in rebounds, third in blocks, Player Efficiency rating, and win shares. Whiteside also ranks tenth in VORP.
8. Bam Adebayo
Bam Adebayo was selected by the Miami Heat in the 2017 Draft and he has already become one of the best players in franchise history. Adebayo is currently averaging 13.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.9 blocks per game. Till now, “Bam Bam” has played five seasons with the Heat and is playing the sixth one currently and he is already in the top 10 in franchise history in rebounds, assists, blocks, win shares and VORP.
7. Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler began his NBA career with the Chicago Bulls and he spent six seasons with them. After this, he went on to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Philadelphia 76ers. “The Butler” signed with the Miami Heat in 2019 and has been giving great performances for them. He has proven to be one of the most talented players in franchise history. He already ranks sixth in Value Over Replacement Player and is currently one of the best small forwards in the league.
6. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal had an illustrious NBA career. After winning three NBA titles with the Lakers and spending eight seasons with them, Shaq was traded to the Miami Heat. He played only four seasons with the franchise and was past his prime, but he is still one of the best players in their history. “Big Shamrock” averaged 19.6 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game during his tenure with the Heat. He has the fifth-highest player efficiency rating in franchise history with 23.9 and the sixth-best box plus/minus.
5. Tim Hardaway
Tim Hardaway spent the first six seasons of his NBA career with the Golden State Warriors and then joined the Miami Heat in 1995. He was a great offensive player and averaged 17.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 7.8 per game in his six seasons with the Heat. Hardaway ranks second in franchise history in assists, fourth in value over replacement player, seventh in win shares, sixth in steals, ninth in points and fourth in box plus/minus.
4. Alonzo Mourning
Alonzo Mourning joined the Miami Heat in 1995 after a trade from the Charlotte Hornets. He went on to play seven seasons with the team and became a star player. Unfortunately, he got a kidney disease and missed a season, but then later continued to play by joining the New Jersey Nets. He eventually returned to Miami to play the final years of his career and also won the NBA championship with them in the 2005–06 season. “Zo” averaged 16 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game during his tenure with the Heat.
3. Chris Bosh
Chris Bosh was the fourth overall pick by the Toronto Raptors in the 2003 NBA Draft. He played seven seasons with the Raptors and then joined the Miami Heat in 2010. “CB4” was an important player in the Miami Heat’s back-to-back title win. During his six seasons with the Heat, Bosh averaged 18 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.9 blocks and was an All-Star in each of his campaigns with the team. Unfortunately, Bosh was forced to retire from the sport at the age of 32 due to blood clots. He still ranks in the top 10 in franchise history in points, rebounds, blocks, win shares and VORP.
2. Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade was the fifth overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft by the Miami Heat. He has been part of the Heat’s every title win and was even the MVP in the 2006 Finals. Wade is the franchise’s all-time leader in points, assists, steals, win shares and Value over Replacement Player. “Flash” was a 13-time All-Star, All-NBA and 2008–09 scoring champion.
1. LeBron James
LeBron James is definitely the best player in the history of the Miami Heat franchise. He played just four seasons for the team, but he made a unique impact. He led the team to back-to-back NBA titles, being named Finals MVP both times. “King James” averaged 26.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game, with a player efficiency rating of 29.6. He also has the highest Box Plus/Minus and win shares. James has really left a lasting impression in the Heat Franchise.
Also Read: 10 Best Players In The History of Golden State Warriors
