The Miami Heat

G- Tim Hardaway: 1996–2001

Tim Hardaway had a tremendous amount of success during his six years in Miami. The team made the playoffs in all six of his seasons, Hardaway made two All-Star appearances, and he appeared on three All-NBA Teams (1x First Team, 2x Second Team).

Hardaway, alongside Alonzo Mourning, was among the first few big name players to play for the Miami Heart organization. Hardaway’s pace and space playing style was the catalyst for Miami’s late 90’s success in running a fast, up-tempo offense.

His 806 three point field goals are the most in franchise history and his 2,867 assists are good for second most in franchise history.

Having been one of the two best players on the team’s first perennial playoff team is enough for Hardaway to be on the Heat’s All-NBA Team.

G- Dwyane Wade: 2003–2016

When you think of the Miami Heat you think of Dwyane Wade. From carrying the team to the 2006 NBA title to executing the recruitment of Chris Bosh and LeBron James, which lead to two more NBA titles, D-Wade is the Miami Heat.

It goes without saying that Wade is the best player in franchise history in terms of longevity. He’s the team’s all-time leader in points scored, assists, steals, minutes played, and games played. In his 13 seasons with the Heat, Wade appeared in 12 All-Star games and was named to an All-NBA Team eight times (2x First Team, 3x Second Team, 3x Third Team). During that 13 year span, the Heat made the playoffs in all but two of those 13 seasons, reaching the NBA finals five times, winning three of them.

What Wade did on the court was matched with what he did off the court. He embraced the Miami area, changing it from a football city into a basketball city.

It’s going to be weird seeing Wade in a Bulls uniform, but with that said, his impact on the Miami Heat organization cannot be undersold. Without Wade the Heat would not be considered one of the premier organizations in the NBA.

F- LeBron James: 2010–2014

Four seasons, four NBA finals appearances, two NBA championships.

To sum it up in simple terms, LeBron James four seasons in Miami were essentially his college years, in that he left home, went to Miami for four years of “college”, and then returned to Cleveland.

During his four years in Miami, James’s game elevated to a new level. Upon arriving, he was already the best overall player in the game, but upon his departure he somehow managed to improve.

James won two of his four MVP awards playing Miami and won his first two NBA championships. He ranks in the top five in almost every major statistical category in the franchise’s history and his 2012–2013 campaign is arguably the greatest single season in NBA history.

He may have only played four seasons in Miami, but his impact on the Heat as an elite organization cannot be overlooked. James is one of the best Heat players of all-time.

F- Chris Bosh: 2010-Present

Of the “Big Three”, who would have thought that Chris Bosh would be the only remaining member on the Heat?

Chris Bosh, who was often overlooked during the four years of the “Big Three” era, has been extremely vital to the team’s success. His numbers may have taken a dip compared to his days with the Raptors, but that doesn’t mean he is any less impactful. In fact, I argue he’s even more important to the Heat.

Since coming to Miami, Bosh has developed a three-point shot, which has only added to his ability to spread the floor. He’s shown extreme versatility, playing both the power forward and center position. His “all-about-winning” demeanor was crucial to the Heat’s four consecutive NBA finals appearances. Bosh didn’t care about posting similar numbers to his days in Toronto. He only cared about winning.

Even with a dip in production, Bosh still put up elite numbers compared to the rest of the league. During his six seasons in Miami, Bosh has averaged 18 points and seven rebounds per game. He’s appeared in six All-Star games and has never shot lower than 46 percent from the field.

Bosh’s last two seasons have been cut short due to blood clotting issues, but if those issues clear up, Bosh is now the definitive face of the franchise.

C- Alonzo Mourning: 1996–2002, 2005–2008

Like Tim Hardaway, Alonzo Mourning was among the first truly great players to play for the Heat organization. Outside of Dwyane Wade, Mourning had the second greatest career of a Miami Heat player. He was the best player on a perennial playoff team.

With the Heat, Mourning made five All-Star teams, and appeared on two All-NBA Teams (1x First Team, 1x Second Team). He also won two consecutive defensive player of the year awards.