NBA: Dwyane Wade and the 50 Greatest Miami Heat Players

The Miami Heat organization has only been around for 22 seasons. That’s enough to say that it’s in the adolescent stage of its existence. Especially when one compares it to franchises like the Lakers or Celtics franchises who have been around for more than four decades.

However, like those franchises, the Heat organization too can say that they have been champions. Hopefully in the very near future, they can add the word “multiple” to that distinction.

All in all, the Heat have managed to garner 14 playoff berths and have won seven Division titles. So a special thank you  is needed for the 179 players that have walked through its doors. Some good, some bad, and some that where and still are legendary.

This Heat franchise has teased and tormented its fan base like no other with their constant removal of players that fans had come to love and respect. It’s a rare feat finding a person who’s aware of all the quality players that have dawn the Heat jersey.

Now the franchise is set to embark on an epic era of basketball with the 2010 acquisitions of LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Mike Miller, Dexter Pittman and etc.

But before we look forward to the future, let us pay homage to the past. Let us remember the players that laid the ground work and built up the foundation.

I give to you, the 50 greatest…no! I give to you, the 50 most-important players in Heat franchise history.

(special thanks to basketball-reference.com for providing the stats) 

50. Willie Burton: 1990-1994

Willie Burton was drafted with the ninth pick overall in the 1990 NBA draft by the Miami Heat.

The pick made no since to many Heat fans because the team had drafted Glen Rice the year before. Most thought the Heat would select Roy Vaught, who was a teammate of Glen Rice at the University of Michigan.

But that didn’t happen and Burton would go on to average 12 points in his first two seasons as an experimental shooting guard, slash, small forward.

Over his first three seasons with the Miami Heat, the team would draft Steve Smith and Harold Miner; two players that were natural shooting guards. Thus eliminating any future Burton would have with the Heat.

He would play 223 games in four years with the team. But because of his inabilities to live up to his high draft position, the Heat would waive him during 1994.

Coincidently, Burton would go on to have a career year in his first 

Willie Burton was drafted with the ninth pick overall in the 1990 NBA draft by the Miami Heat.

The pick made no since to many Heat fans because the team had drafted Glen Rice the year before. Most thought the Heat would select Roy Vaught, who was a teammate of Glen Rice at the University of Michigan.

But that didn’t happen and Burton would go on to average 12 points in his first two seasons as an experimental shooting guard, slash, small forward.

Over his first three seasons with the Miami Heat, the team would draft Steve Smith and Harold Miner; two players that were natural shooting guards. Thus eliminating any future Burton would have with the Heat.

He would play 223 games in four years with the team. But because of his inabilities to live up to his high draft position, the Heat would waive him during 1994.

Coincidently, Burton would go on to have a career year in his first year away from the Heat. He even added a 50 point game that season for the Philadelphia 76ers.

49. Shawn Marion: 2008-2009

Shawn Marion was acquired in a deal from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Shaquille O’Neal. The deal took place on February 2008 of the dreaded 15 win season of 2007-2008.

Marion would play 16 meaningless games when he initially arrived. But the ability and effort that he displayed sparked hope amongst the Heat fan base of what he could help Dwyane Wade accomplish in Miami…he was to be the Scottie Pippen to Dwyane Wade’s Jordan-act the following season.

The following season Marion would play an additional 42 games at the start of the 2008-09 season before he would be dealt in February of 2009 for Jermaine O’Neal.

Though his stay was brief, Marion managed to help in the revival of the Heat as a playoff team in the 2008-2009. He even managed to knock down two game winning baskets and getting a block on a potential game winner.

So yes, he and Dwyane Wade failed in their reenactment of the Chicago-duo of the 1990’s. Marion still managed to provide an effort that left a mark on the Heat organization and the Miami community.

48. Daequan Cook: 2008-2010

Daequan Cook was drafted in 2007 by the Miami Heat with the twenty-first pick of the first round.

The Heat reached when they drafted Cook. The team was already set at the shooting guard position and had other positions they needed to fill.

His Heat career is highlighted by winning the 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend Three-Point Shootout.

He played 179 games as a member of the Heat and made 272 three-pointers as an outside marksman. That’s a mark that is good for eighth on the Heat’s all-time list. To put that in perspective, he’s made more three pointers than Dwyane Wade while playing 292 fewer games and taking 92 fewer attempts.

Cook numbers don’t tell the true story of how skilled he was and how well he helped the Heat organization on and off the court. He was a 19 year old kid that was stuck trying to play behind a future Hall of Famer.

47. Jason Kapono: 2005-2007

Jason Kapono spent two seasons with the Miami Heat after signing with the club in October of 2005.

He’s another Heat player that won a NBA All-Star Weekend Three-Point Shootout in 2007. He would also lead the NBA in three-point shooting that season, connecting on a 51.4 percentage.

He would play 118 games during his time with the Heat. He would also start 35 games during the Heat title season.

46. Dorell Wright: 2004-2010

Dorell Wright was selected by the Heat in the first round of 2004 NBA draft, 19th overall.

Another draft casualty of the Riley regime, Dorell was selected with the hopes of being the franchise future small forward. However, the idea of winning a title and injuries prevented Wright from becoming anything but a reserved role player.

He would only play in 211 of a possible 492 games. Many of which were missed because of injuries.

Wright had his fare share of off the court issues but when he was healthy and on the court, he was often a very productive player. He grew in fan fair by often electrifying Heat fans with his athletic prowess.

He was and appears to forever will be the only high school player selected in franchise history.

The 24 year old for California had a career year in his final act with the Miami Heat this past season. Many fans wanted the versatile forward to be resigned because he appeared to have finally arrived after six long seasons of struggling. However, the possibility of landing LeBron James in Miami proved to be too great.

The Heat probably never should have drafted Wright. The Heat needed a point guard and Jameer Nelson would be selected by the Orlando Magic with the next selection in the draft.

45. Kurt Thomas: 1995-1997

Kurt Thomas was the last draft pick of the Kevin Loughery era. He became an instant fan favorite with his extremely efficient play and hard nose attitude as a rookie.

As a rookie, he would be one of only two Heat players to play more than 70 games for a Heat team that would make the playoffs.

Many saw Thomas as the future of the power forward position for the Miami Heat. But he struggled to remain healthy early in his sophomore season.

Those situations and the acquisition of P.J. Brown early in the off-season made Kurt expandable. Many believed he was moved because he was a young guy that hadn’t been drafted by Pat Riley.

Never the less, he was traded with Sasha Danilovic, and Martin Muursepp to acquire Jamal Mashburn from the Dallas Mavericks.

He would play 92 games as a member of the Heat. He left the Heat with averages of 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 22 minutes per game. He also held a field-goal percentage of 48.

44. Brian Shaw: 1992-1994

Brian Shaw came to the Heat in a deal that involved Sherman Douglas… a player that was coming off a season in which he averaged 18 points, in only his second season.

The deal took place in January 1992.

Shaw would be a highly used back-up guard for the Heat. Many fans believed that his bond with former Heat coach Kevin Loughery was what led to Harold Miner not reaching his potential…Harold Miner averaged more points in fewer minutes on the floor than Shaw. Miner shot nearly 48 percent from the floor and Shaw was slightly below 40 percent.

Never the less, Shaw was a fan favorite because of his complete game and his endearing smile. He didn’t do anything great but he did do a lot of things well. Plus he had a calming presence that seemed to settle down a lot of his young teammates.

43. Rafer Alston: 2003-04 and 2009 -2010

Rafer Alston signed with the Heat as free agent in September of 2003. He spent the season with the club as the primary back-up point guard to Dwyane Wade.

During his first season in Miami, Alston would be part of an eight-man rotation led by Wade, Eddie Jones and Lamar Odom, that would lead the Heat to a second round playoff berth.

After having a career year in Miami in which he played all 82 games and connected on 161 three pointers, he would leave the Heat as a free agent the following season.

After five seasons away, Alston would return to the Heat in January of 2010.

All in all, Rafer played in a 107 games and nailed 191 three-pointers. He's also ranked tenth on the Heat’s all-time list in assist per game.

42. Bruce Bowen: 1997 and 2000-2001

Most Heat fans like to take credit for the franchise giving Bruce his first start. That isn’t entirely true.

Yes, the Heat was the first team to sign him to a deal in October of 1995. They also turned around and waived him the same.

Bowens would have to wait till the next season where the Heat would sign him to a contract in March of 1997. He’d play only one game.

He would leave the franchise as a franchise for nearly three seasons before returning in February of 2000.

By then Bowens had found his niche as an NBA player. He would go on to play 110 games in total for the Heat, and earning a name as a defensive stopper and decent three point shooter.

41. Rasual Butler: 2002-2005

Rasual Butler was drafted by the Miami Heat in the second round of the 2002 NBA draft, 52^nd overall.

While a member of the Heat Rasual would play in 159 games. He would make 157 three pointers over that time in a limited reserve role. Rasual was an athletic wing player with a silky outside touch with the Heat. 

He might have been an even bigger player in regards to Heat folklore had the team not went with a veteran oriented direction… as he peaked as a player in his second season, shooting over 47 pe4rcent from the field and 46 percent from deep.

He would spend three seasons with the Heat before being traded in a five-team deal that bought Antoine Walker, James Posey, and Jason Williams to the Miami Heat. The deal took place in August of 2005.

He’s another guy in the long line of players that have gone on to do better after leaving the Heat franchise.

40. Quentin Richardson: 2009-2010

Quentin Richardson was acquired by the Heat in a August 2009 trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves for Mark Blount.

Richardson would immediately make headlines in Miami when training camp began and he showed up after in great shape…losing nearly 30lbs from his days in New York.

Richardson would have many late game heroics and was the Heat’s vocal and emotional leader in his lone season with the team.

He was also the designated defender for the Heat’s top perimeter opposition. He would connect on 142 three-pointers in his 76 games played with the Heat. He also shot 40-percent from deep this past season.

But most Heat fans will probably remember him for being a player that never backed down and always played with effort and energy.

39. Christian Laettner: 2004-2005

Christian Leattner signed with the Heat in Semptember of 2004.

He was a 35-year-old vet when he joined the Heat and ended up being a key reserve on the team that fail short in the 2005 Eastern Conference Finals.

Though his career with the Heat only lasted 53 games, he would become a fan favorite because of his ability to knock down open shots.

Laettner would go on to shoot 58-percent from the floor in his lone season as a member of the Heat.

Leattner would retire at the end of the season, leaving the Heat as his final NBA employer.

38. Issac Austin: 1996-1998

After spending his previous three seasons improving his overall game and body, Isaac Austin would return to the NBA when the Miami Heat took a chance on the former 48^th pick of the Utah Jazz in 1991.

Austin became an instant success with the Heat fan base with his efficient scoring manner on the low-block and his ability to pass the ball to his teammates. He’s often regarded as the best passing center in Heat history.

Austin would go onto win the NBA Most Improved Player of The Year Award in the 1996-1997 season for the Heat. He would also finish as the only Heat player to play in every game played.

He would start 17 games in place of Alonzo Mourning and would post averages of: 15 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assist. The Heat would go 11-6 over that time span.

The next season, Austin would be traded to the Los Angeles Clippers for Brent Barry. This deal is regarded as one of the worst trades in Heat history. Barry would only play 17 games for the Heat franchise and struggled in almost every one of them… Austin would go on to have a career year with the Clippers.

The player known by most Heat fans as simply “Ike,” would play 134 games for the Heat before his Feb. 1998 trade. He left with Heat-career averages of 11 points and 6 rebounds per game on 24 minutes per play.

37. Anthony Carter: 1999-2003

Anthony Carter signed with the Heat in August of 1999 as an undrafted free agent. He would go on to play 246 games for the Miami Heat in four seasons.

As a steady player on the Heat bench, the player Heat fans would refer to as “AC” would finish second on the Heat in assist per game his first three season with the team. And actually leading the club in the assist category his final season with the team.

He made his name as a tough nosed defender and occasionally got the crowd going with one of his unexpected dunks.

His career might have gone different in Miami had he not been stuck behind Tim Hardaway his first two seasons.

36. Chris Gatling: 1995-1996 and 2001-2002

Chris Gatling originally came to the Miami Heat in the 1996 trade with Golden State for he and Tim Hardaway.

He would play 24 games in his first stint for the Heat. He averaged 15.2 points will shooting 59.8 percent from the floor. He also grabbed 7.2 rebounds...all in a reserved role. During his time with the Heat, he was clearly the best offensive option on the team. Those talents created an instant love affair between him and Heat fans.

He would be a free agent after the season ended and the Heat wouldn’t resign him. Electing to go after P.J. Brown and stick with then rookie, Kurt Thomas.

He would later return to the Heat in 2001-2002, but he was far from the player that the Heat had first acquired.

He would only play 78 games for the Heat, but because of his production I felt he deserved a spot.

Many fans believed that the Heat would have won a title had the team originally kept Gatling.

35.Harold Miner: 1992-1995

Harold Miner was acquired with the 12th pick of the 1992 NBA draft. He’s the guy that was supposed to be the first SUPER-STAR of the Heat franchise. With the way people talked about him, you’d think he was the number one pick in his draft class.

Harold was and is the only NBA All-Star Weekend Slam Dunk winner in Heat franchise history. Sadly, that’s basically the only good that most Heat fans feel that came out of his Heat career.

Nick Named “Baby-Jordan” for his aerial and off the dribble attack while in college. Miner never managed to live up to the expectations of his fans or critics.

But unlike popular belief, it wasn’t because he lacked talent or skill. On the contrary, he managed to score 15 or more points on 47 occasions out of his 181 games played (12 games of 20 points or more).

Keep in mind he only started 56 games as a member of the Heat. He was on a team with legendary Heat-players like Glen Rice, Steve Smith, Rony Seikaly, and Grant Long.

To be honest, Miner was actually a success…he managed to average 10 plus points in his first two seasons while being the fifth option on the Heat.

His case is as most Heat draft selections. He was taken by a team that already had an established player at his respective position. No reason they should have drafted Miner with Steve Smith on the team.

The Heat needed a point guard going into the 1992 Draft. The point guard position was viewed as the weakest position in the draft. The Heat should have traded that pick for a veteran point and a future draft pick.

But they didn’t. Due to injuries and his inability to develop into a point-guard; Miner would be traded after his third season to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Donny Marshall and a second round draft pick.

34.Clarence Weatherspoon: 1998-2000

Clearance Weatherspoon signed with the Heat in the off season of 1998.

He is arguably the second most talented back-up power forward in Miami Heat history.

He was a key reserve on a Heat-team that won consecutive Atlantic Division while he was a member of the team.

While with the Heat, Weatherspoon served as the perfect compliment to P.J. Brown. His scoring and defensive ability anchored the Heat’s second unit.

He would play in 127 game while a member of the Heat. In August of 2000, the Heat would trade him and a draft pick that would be used to draft Brendan Haywood.

33. John Salley: 1992-1996

After spending his first six seasons in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons, John Salley was acquired by the Heat in a trade for Isaiah Morris and a first round draft pick.

He was the six-man for the Kevin Loughery era of Miami Heat basketball.

Salley didn’t do any one thing really great but he did a lot of things pretty darn well, and that’s why most Heat fans came to love the “Spider.” It seemed that he got his hands on every lose ball possible.   

He would leave the Heat by way of the expansion draft, when Toronto selected him in June of 1995.

Salley left the Heat with average of 8 points and 6 rebounds per game, while shooting 49% from the floor. He would play 202 games over in three seasons with the Miami Heat.

32. Matt Geiger: 1992-1995

Matt Geiger was selected in the second round of the NBA draft by the Miami Heat (pick number 42) in 1992.

Interesting fact about how the Heat acquired his draft spot…by agreeing not to select Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the 1988 expansion draft, the Lakers gave the Heat the pick as compensation.

Matt Geiger improved each season he was with the Heat and shot over 52 percent from the floor every year he was a member of the Heat. His career percentage of 54.8 percent ranks second in franchise history.

While a member of the Heat, he was a fan favorite because of his effort and his unique physical appearance. Every true Heat fan had to love the big-ear bandit.

After three years of service for the Heat, Geiger would be included in a seven player trade that brought Alonzo Mourning to Miami. That’s reason enough for Matt Geiger to be in these rankings.

Matt is arguably the fifth best center in franchise history. That in itself warrants him a nod of respect.

31. Jermaine O'Neal: 2009-2010

Jermaine O’Neal was acquired in a February 2009 deal with the Toronto Raptors for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. The deal was sold to the Heat fan base as O’Neal being the next great center for the Miami Heat, but in all honesty, the deal was made to create cap space for the summer of 2010.

The player known to Heat fans as “J.O.” was nothing more than a reluctant low post scorer and above average shot blocker. He makes the list primarily because he was the starting center on a Heat team that finished 5^th in the Eastern Conference consecutive seasons.

O’Neal was a major disappointment in both his playoff showings with the Heat. Either he was out injured or he just didn’t bother to show up.

He played in 97 games for the Heat. He left with averages of 29 minutes per game, 13 points, seven rebounds, two assist and two blocks.

With that said, he ranks as the fourth most talented center in Heat history.

30. Caron Butler: 2002-2004

Drafted with the number 10 pick in the NBA draft by the Heat, Butler was an immediate fan favorite before he ever suited up.

As a rookie, Butler played “Robin” to Eddie Jones’ “Batman.” Over his first two months of the season he’d average a little over 13 points as he struggled with his shot (below 40-percent.) His game picked up January as he finally got his FG percentage over 40-percent and scoring average up to 16 points per game for the month.

He would grow his reputation when Eddie Jones went down with an injury in early March. Caron would take on the role as go to scorer and upped his scoring average to 20 points for the month. And thus sparking fan fare of him being the next face of the franchise.

He was to become the next good-to-great small forward in Heat history.

However, Dwyane Wade would be drafted in the offseason. And with Eddie Jones already on the roster, and Lamar Odom being brought in via free-agency; Butler would see his role on the team reduced to a fourth option.

After a solid playoff showing in his second season…Butler would be traded along with Lamar Odom and Brian Grant for Shaquille O’Neal, in the offseason of 2004.  

29. Kevin Willis: 1995-1996

He was acquired in a November trade during the 1994-1995 season for Steve Smith and Grant Long. It was one of the most unpopular moves in franchise history, most Heat fans aren’t sure of why the deal was made even to this day.

The Heat made the move for two reasons. The first was they wanted to see if Harold Miner could blossom at the shooting-guard position. The second reason was Willis was averaging 21 points and 18 rebounds for the Atlanta Hawks at the time of the trade…but still, he was 32-years-old at the time.

Willis would go on to average 17 points and 11 rebounds for the 65 games he would play for the Heat that season.  The following season he would be used in a deal with Bimbo Coles that brought Tim Hardaway and Chris Gatling to Miami in February of 1996.

Willis would only play in a 112 but his rebounding and low post hook-shot will be memories that Heat fans remember forever…and the fact that he was the guy that brought Tim Hardaway to Miami.

28. Mario Chalmers: 2008-Current

Acquired by the Heat from the Minnesota Timberwolves on the draft night of 2008… for cash and two second round picks.

Chalmers is the only Heat rookie to ever play in all 82 games. Also the only Heat rookie to ever average two or more steals per game.

He holds the Heat rookie record for steals in a game and steals in a season.

 He would guide the Heat to 43 wins…a 28 game improvement. It’s safe to say Chalmers had a very nice rookie season. He finished with a PER-rating of 13.

After starting off his sophomore season averaging 11 points and 4 assist on 50-percent shooting from the floor. Chalmers play tailed off and so did his attitude, the two resulted in him losing his starting job to two lesser players.

He would never get back to his early season form or regain his starting position. However, a strong playoff showing in which he was one of the three most productive players for the Heat during their first round series against the Boston Celtics.

Now he is entering his third season and is about to be apart of possibly the greatest Heat team of all-time.

He has the potential to go down as a top five point-guard in Heat history.

27. Billy Owens:1994-1996

Billy Owens was acquired in a November 1994 deal that lead to the Heat parting ways with team legend, Rony Seikaly.

His deal is often regarded as the most hated of all-time for Heat fans. It wasn’t because he was a bad player, but more basically because of what Rony Seikaly meant to Heat fans.

The Heat organization appeared to be clueless as to how they wanted to handle Billy Owens. Then Coach Kevin Loughery would play Owens at every position. But for the most part he played him out of position at the small forward and shooting guard positions.

It was odd that Loughery would do such a thing being that Owen first three years in the NBA were spent playing as an undersized power forward/ center for Golden State.

Never the less, Owens made the best of his Heat situation. While playing in a 110 games for the Heat, Owens would post averages of 15-points, 7-rebounds, 4- assist, and 34 minutes per game. He would also connect on 49-percent of his field goal attempts.

He left the Heat ranked top 10 in several career marks: Minutes per game (6^th), Points per game (10^th), Rebounds per game (8^th).

In February of 1996 the Heat shipped him to the team that he originally refused to sign with, the Sacramento Kings.

The Heat are often credited with ruining the career of Billy Owens.

26. Antoine Walker: 2005-2007

On August 2, 2005, Walker was involved in a 5-team, 13-player deal (the largest trade in NBA history) that sent him from the Celtics to the Miami Heat.

He’s mostly remembered for his contributing 14 points and 11 rebounds in the final game of the 2006 NBA Finals, in which the Heat won. He would lead the Heat in three pointers made during the season and playoffs in 2005-2006 title season and provided the needed scoring punch off the bench that the Heat needed.

A case can be made for him being the most skilled reserve in franchise history. He connected on 221 three pointers in his two seasons with the Heat.

Walker would play in 160 games for the Heat before being traded in October of 2007.

25. James Posey: 2005-2007

James Posey was part of the mega-trade that brought Jason Williams and Antoine Walker to Miami in August of 2005.

He was to be the replacement for Caron Butler at the small forward position that Eddie Jones struggled to flourish at. Initially, the deal looked like a wasted trade as Posey struggled to adjust to a lesser role in Miami’s offense.

However, Riley made the decision to bench Posey in preparation for the start of the 2006 playoffs.

Posey responded with a extraordinary effort off the bench. After putting up just 7 points during the season and giving a lack luster effort on defense. Posey would average over 11 points per game in the first round series and made life a living-hell for Bulls players trying to score on him.

Posey would continue that effort all the way into the NBA Finals.

Along with his defense and ability to knock down big shots, Posey became a rock star in the Miami community. He would play in a 138 games for the Heat, and knocked down 214 long-balls.

After a disappointing 2006-2007 season, Posey elected to take his services to the Boston Celtics as a free-agent.

24. Gary Payton: 2005-2007

Gary Payton joined the Miami Heat organization in September of 2005 as a free agent. He was 37 years old at the time.

Payton isn’t remembered for his statistical out-puts with the Heat. His contribution to the Heat franchise came during the 2006 NBA Finals where he will be forever remember for hitting the two biggest shots in Miami Heat history.

The first shot came in game three where he hit a game-winning shot to get the Heat back into the series after being down 2-0. The second came when he made the Heat’s final basket in a one-point victory in game five.

The Heat would go on to win that series and becoming the 2006 NBA Champions.

Payton would play in 149 games in two seasons with the Heat. He would average seven points and 3 assist over that time frame.

23. Bimbo Coles

Bimbo Coles was acquired in a trade with the Sacramento Kings on the night of the 1990 draft.

He was a fan favorite because of his effort on the defensive end as well as his ability to score points off the bench for the Heat.

He spent six years in Miami before being shipped out in the deal that brought Tim Hardaway to Miami. After seven season away from the Heat, Coles would return as a 35-year-old to retire with the team he started his 14-year NBA career with.

In total, Coles would play 462 games for the Heat.

Bimbo ranks top 10 in several all-time Heat categories: Games (7th), Minutes (9th), Free Throws Made (9th), Free Throws attempted (10th), Assist (3rd), Steals (7th), and Total Points (10th).

22. Dan Majerle: 1996-2001

Dan Majerle signed with the Heat in August of 1996 after he was released by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Majerle would play a vital role on a Heat team that won four-consecutive Atlantic Division titles…finished second in the Division in his final season.

“Thunder Dan” was the name given due to his ability to knock down the long ball.

But most Heat fans admired Majerle for his grit, effort and being the ultimate teammate. He was the one guy any Heat player would be honored to go to battle with because they knew he was bringing everything he had.

Only blemish on his Heat career was his inability to stay healthy. In his six seasons with Miami, he only played over 60-games twice.

Before heading back to Phoenix to play his final season, Majerle would play in 278 games while with the Heat. He connected on 414 three pointers while a member of the Heat…that’s good for sixth all-time in franchise history.

21. Kieth Askins: 1990-1999

Keith Askins was an undrafted rookie when he signed with the Miami Heat in 1990.

Askins was far from the most skilled player to ever play for the Heat. But he embodied the persona that would later define the Heat franchise.

He was always professional and always displayed a 100-percent effort while on the court.

He’s one of only two players in franchise history to go undrafted and play over 400 games. He also ranks third on the Heat’s all-time list of games played. He’s also ranked seventh on the Heat’s all-time list of three pointers made.

He now sits on the Heat bench as an assistant coach.

There’s no way you can call yourself a Heat fan if you don’t know the history of Keith Askins.

20. Sherman Douglas: 1989-1992

Sherman Douglas is the greatest second round pick in Heat history. He was selected with the 28^th pick of the 1989 NBA draft.

In his lone two seasons with the Heat, the player nicknamed “The General,” would yield PER averages of 17 and 18. He as two of the top four assist seasons in Miami Heat history (third and fourth) and also is the record holder for highest assist average for a Heat rookie.

After averaging 19 points and 9 assist (bettering his rookie numbers of 14 and 8), the Heat would trade Sherman Douglas to the Boston Celtics for Brian Shaw in January of 1992.

Douglas would only play 139 games with the Heat, but is still regarded as the second best point guard in franchise history.

19. Brian Grant: 2000-2004

Brian Grant was acquired by the Heat in a three-team trade in August of 2000.

Brian Grant was to be the next guy to take up the rich-tradition of power forward play for the Heat franchise. That plan was quickly thrown out the window because of Alonzo Mourning’s kidney-alignment.

Grant would be trusted into the center position in his first season with the Heat. And he did an admirable job with his averages of 15-points, nine-rebounds, one-steal, and one-block per game.

Along with Tim Hardaway, Eddie Jones and Anthony mason. Grant would lead the Heat to a 50 win season when many thought they would struggle to stay above 50-percent.

He’d never again score the way he did in his first season with the Heat (primarily due to the Heat trading Tim Hardaway and never finding a replacement point guard). However, his professionalism and consistent effort is one that every Heat fan appreciated.

Grant would play in 312 games while with the Heat. He ranks fifth all-time for the Heat with 1854 defensive rebounds and sixth with 800 offensive rebounds.

He left Miami in the July 2004 trade that brought Shaquille O’Neal to Miami.

18. Voshon Lenard: 1995-2000

After being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks early in his rookie season, Voshon Lenard would be picked up by the Miami Heat in December of 1995.

Along with Dan Majerle, he would battle for minutes on those four-consecutive Division Title winning Heat teams.

Lenard is often regarded as the best pure shooter at the shooting guard position in Heat history. His shooting stroke and consistent effort made him a fan favorite. But like Majerle, Lenard never seemed to stay healthy long enough to make an even bigger name for himself.

But he will forever be in the hearts of Heat fans for his ability to knock down shots in big-time games. He made his money during playoff time and he holds the Heat record for three point percentage during the playoffs.  

He also ranks ninth in three point percentage, and fourth in three pointers made. He also holds two of the top 10 marks for three pointers made in a season (5^th and 10^th).

He would be traded to the Denver Nuggets in June of 2007.

17. Jamal Mashburn: 1997-2000

The Heat got Mashburn in a 1997 February deal.

It was odd that Riley would target a small forward coming off the injury that Mashburn was. Never the less, the deal was made and the Heat would acquire a player that seemed to shrink when the stage was it most brightest.

Mashburn was still a solid contributor during an era where the Heat was it's most dominant. Being the third most productive player on four-consecutive Division titles says a lot.

However, that doesn't make up for a player's short comings.Thus the reason Riley traded Mashburn in August of 2000.

He would play 180 games for the Heat. He ranks second on the franchise list in minutes per game and eighth in points per game.

16. Lamar Odom: 2003-2004

Lamar Odom arrived in Miami in August of 2003 via free agency.

He was the leader of a Heat team that returned to the playoffs after a 3 year stint of failure. He became an instant fan favorite as he changed his body, game and attitude to fit the Heat culture.

Odom would help guide a Heat team that won only 25 games prior to his arrival to 42 wins after he arrived. The club would also advance to the second round of the 2004 playoffs.

In his one season in Miami, Odom was able to place in several top 10 season categories. The most impressive was him collecting the second most defensive rebounds in franchise history. He also ranks top 10 in minutes played. His PER rating of 18.5 is good for 12^th all-time.

Lamar Odom would only play in 80 games as a member of the Heat, but it was the best 80 games ever recorded by a Heat power forward. Odom would later be the key clog in a trade that landed Shaquille O’Neal in Miami for the 2004-2005 trade.

15. Jason Williams: 2005-2008

Jason Williams was acquired by the Miami Heat in August 2005 trade with the Memphis Grizzlies.

He was brought to Miami in-order for Dwyane Wade to relieve some of the pressures of Dwyane Wade ball handling duties and also to give the Heat the player needed to work the pick-and-roll with Shaq.

Williams wasn’t ever really healthy during the regular season but he always found away to show up came playoff time. He showed up big time in the 2006 Detroit series that would end with a Heat Championship.

He’s often regarded as the second best ball handler in franchise history behind Tim Hardaway.

Williams would go on to play 187 games for the Heat.

He is ranked in several top 10 all-time categories: Freethrow percentage (1st), Assist per game (4th), and Three pointers made (6th).

He’d would leave the Heat after the 15 win season of the 2007-2008 team.

14. Kevin Edwards: 1988-1993

The second draft pick in Heat history, Kevin Edwards was acquired with the 20th pick in the 1988 NBA draft.

Kevin Edwards is the best on the ball defender in Miami Heat history. He’s also the only Heat player to never average over 30 minutes per game in any season and still manage double figure scoring.

His game resembles that of Dwyane Wade’s a lot. Like Wade he would fill up a stat sheet while on the floor. Yet for some reason the Heat organization never left him on the court for long in his first two seasons, even when it was clear that he was the third or fourth best player on the team.

After six seasons and 357 games, Kevin Edwards turned down a Heat offer to extend his contract and elected to sign with the New Jersey Nets in July of 1993.

Still to this day he ranks top-ten in several categories: field goals made (9th), free throw percentage (9th), assists (6th), steals (4th), and points (9th).

Again, keep in mind he never averaged 30 minutes in a season and only was a starter in two of his season in Miami.

13. Anthony Mason: 2000-2001

Anthony Mason was acquired by the Heat in August of 2000.

Mason spent a single season in Miami, making it to the 2001 NBA All-Star Game, his lone career All-Star appearance, and helping the Heat to a surprising 50-32 record in 2000-01, the year Alonzo Mourning was limited to 13 games following the discovery of his kidney illness.

In his lone season, Mason would leave ranked top 10 in several single season categories: Minutes per games (1st), Minutes played (1st), Defensive rebounds (3rd), Total rebounds (5th), and Rebounds per game (10th).

The following season he would leave as a free agent to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks.

12. P.J. Brown: 1996-2000

P.J. Brown signed with the Heat in July of 1996.

He is widely considered the third best and most versatile defender in Heat history. Brown was part of a Heat nucleus that won four-consecutive Atlantic Division Titles.

 He would play in 284 games for the Heat before Riley decided to trade him for Anthony Mason in August of 2000.

He ranks top 10 in several all-time Heat marks: offensive rebounds, blocks, defensive rebounds, and total rebounds.

He only missed 12 games in his Heat career.

11. Michael Beasley: 2008-2010

The Heat selected Michael Beasley with the second overall pick in the 2008 draft.

The selection was viewed as another dumb selection in a long-line of idiotic moves for Pat Riley and the Heat organization. The marriage of Michael Beasley and the Heat were doomed to fail from day one.

Before Beasley would even sign his contract, Pat Riley stated that he would be open to trading what most viewed as the most talented player in the entire draft. Then there were his comments of how the Heat preferred other players over Beasley. The comments had many wondering why the Heat even selected Beasley when the team had more pressing needs at the center and point guard position.

Never the less, Beasley would be go on to post the second best numbers of any Heat rookie in franchise history. Yet some how his rookie-season was viewed as a failure.

His rookie PER (player efficiency rating) is second only to Dwyane Wade. Wade recorded a per rating of 17.6 as a rookie and Beasley recorded a 17.1 rating as a reserve.

To help put things in contrast. Heat legends Glen Rice, Steve Smith and Rony Seikaly all recorder PER’s that were below 13 in their rookie seasons. Sherman Douglas’ PER of 17 is the only other Heat player to eclipse a mark above 16.

The Heat won only 15 games prior to the arrival of Beasley. He would be the second leading scorer on a team that would win 43 games and earn a fifth seeded playoff selection. For two consecutive seasons he was ranked either second or third in player efficiency for the Heat.

Only Dwyane Wade scored more points than him during his duration with the Heat. Only Dwyane Wade and Mario Chalmers recorded more steals. Only Udonis Haslem and Jermaine O’Neal and Udonis Haslem recorded more rebounds. And only Dwyane Wade, Jermaine O’Neal and Joel Anthony recorded more blocks.

Regardless of how fans felt about the young man, he was the Heat’s second best and second most productive member on a club that won 43 and 47 games…never mind the fact that he played more games than any Heat player over that time frame.

With all that done and accomplished, the Heat traded Beasley to the Minnesota Timberwolves in July of 2010. He left holding the 7th highest PER average in franchise history. Only Wade, Shaq, Hardaway, Mourning, Douglas, and Jones were better statistical players. Only difference with most of them, they weren’t 20 and 21 year olds when they posted their numbers.

10. Udonis Haslem: 2003-Current

Udonis Haslem was acquired by the Heat as a free agent signee in 2003.

Arguably the greatest non-draftee in Heat history, he’s also the most over hyped. As well as most protected of all of Pat Riley’s role players.

Whether it’s been his photos’ of giving liquor to under age teenage girls, getting photographed with weed at a party, his recent bust with marijuana, or his horrid showing against the Boston Celtics (35-percent shooting, 6-points and 7 rebounds per game averages). Haslem has always gotten a free pass from the Miami fan base, as well as media outlets.

All because he had one good defensive showing, versus the Dallas Mavericks, in an NBA Finals setting! No one ever brings up how Rasheed Wallace abused him in the Eastern Conference Finals.

With that said, Haslem ranks top 10 in several career marks, 10 to be exact (games, minutes, field goals, field goal percentage, free throws, offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds, steals and turnovers).

I found it odd that he ranked top 10 in most turnovers but he’s ranked at the very bottom in terms of usage percentage.

9. Steve Smith: 1991-1994 and 2005

Steve Smith was selected as the 5^th overall draft pick in the 1991 NBA draft.

He would go on to only average 12 points in his rookie year. He followed that up with averages of 16 and 17 points in 34 minutes per game averages.

Smith had issues with his knees and only managed to play more than 61 games once in his three year Heat stint.

He played a total of 202 games as a member of the Heat before he was shipped out to Atlanta in November of 1994.

He ranks sixth in career freethrow percentage and 10^th in total assist.

A lot of Heat fans think “Smithy” became a star in Miami, truth be told he was just an above average player in Miami. His stardom came away from Miami.

He would return in 2005 through a trade with Charlotte to retire for the team that drafted him.

8. Grant Long: 1988-1994

Grant Long was drafted by the Heat in the second round of the 1988 draft.

He was one of the original starting five players for the Heat organization and is the model upon all Heat power forwards are judged.

He wasn’t anything special in his first three seasons in Miami from a statistical stand-point. However that opinion changed when Ron Rothstein was fired and Kevin Loughery was hired in 1991.

Loughery would give Long the minutes he needed to make a name for himself.

Long would play in 472 games for the Heat before he was traded out of Miami for Kevin Willis in November of 1994.

He ranks top 10 in several all-time Heat categories: Steals (2), Offensive Rebounds (3), Free throws (4), Defensive Rebounds (4), Total Rebounds (4), Minutes (5), Games (5), Points (7), Field Goals (8), and Blocks (10).

Long is probably the most complete defensive player in Miami Heat history.  

7. Shaquille O'Neal: 2004-2008

The Heat acquired Shaquille O’Neal in a July 2004 trade with the Los Angeles Lakers.

O’Neal is easily the most talented player to ever play center for the Miami Heat.

His place in Miami Heat history was solidified with his promise and helping deliver a NBA Title to the Heat franchise.

Though he only played three and a-half seasons for the Heat. He still manage to rank top 10 in several Heat career marks: Field Goal Percentage (1), Free Throw Attempts (5), Offensive Rebounds (7), Field Goals/ Defensive Rebounds/ Total Rebounds (10).

Shaq would play in 205 games for the Heat before forcing a trade during the Heat’s 15 win season of 2007-2008.

6. Eddie Jones: 2000-2005

After making it known in the summer of 2000 that he wanted to play for his hometown team (Miami Heat), Eddie Jones and Pat Riley got the then Charlotte Hornets to agree on a sign and trade deal.

Jones had aspirations of helping Mourning and Tim Hardaway finally get over the hump of capturing an NBA title for the Heat organization. Those dreams quickly crashed as his arrival was also the same year Mourning would announce his kidney alignment.

The then 29-year-old Jones would go on to lead the Heat to a 50 win season while Mourning was out ill.

After the 2000-2001 season, everything came crashing down for the Heat organization but Eddie Jones remained the one constant positive. He played hard and provided a professional attitude needed to keep the Heat franchise respected.

The Heat would trade Jones in August of 2005—the very season that they would go on to capture an NBA title.

Eddie Jones played in 387 games while a member of the Heat.

He is easily the second greatest shooting guard in franchise history and most likely the second best perimeter defender in franchise history.

He ranks in several top 10 career marks for the Heat: Games (10), Minutes (7), Field Goals (6), Three Pointers (2), Freethrows (6), Freethrow Percentage (3), Defensive Rebounds (8), Total Rebounds (10), Assist (5), Steals (6), Blocks (6), and Points (6).

5. Rony Seikaly: 1988-1994

The first draft selection in franchise history was used on Rony Seikaly when the Heat selected him number nine in the 1988 draft.

Seikaly is easily one of the three most complete players in franchise history and possibly the second most popular player in franchise history (though many would give it to Wade).

The player known to Heat fans as the “Spin Doctor” for his low-post moves was truly a sight to behold. One of the classiest and fundamentally sound players ever for Miami, Seikaly really had no holes in his game.

The man once had a 34 rebound game and for five straight seasons finished ranked top-seven in the NBA for rebounding. He’d be rewarded in 1990 for his efforts when the NBA announced him the winner of its Most Improved Player Award.

Seikaly played 439 games before the Heat franchise traded him in 1994.

He ranks high in several top 10 career marks: Games (8), Minutes (6), Field Goals (4), Free Throws (3), Offensive Rebounds (2), Defensive Rebounds (2), Total Rebounds (2), Steals (8), Block (2), and Points (4).

4. Tim Hardaway: 1996-2001

Tim Hardaway came to the Heat in a February 1996 trade with the Golden State Warrior.

Arguably the most clutch of any Heat player.

Hardaway brought a leadership and competitive fire that is still unmatched till this day.

He is and may forever remain the greatest point guard in franchise history. His number 10 Jersey was retired for a reason people, the man made Miami a NBA power house for five consecutive seasons.

He ranks high in several career marks for the Heat: Games, Minutes, Field Goals, Three Pointers, Free Throws, Assists, Steals, and Points.

The Heat traded Tim Hardaway in August of 2001 to the Dallas Mavericks for a second round draft pick.

3. Glenn Rice: 1989-1995

Glen Rice was selected with the number four pick in the 1989 NBA draft by the Miami Heat.

The pick was made because the Heat needed a true number one scoring option, but Rice would only average 14 points as a rookie.

However, he quickly turned that around the following season when he averaged 17 points per game. He would average over 20 points per game for his remaining five seasons in Miami, peeking twice at 22 points per contest.

Rice was the Heat’s first true star-player, and quickly earned the name “G-Money” for his clutch shooting.

He is widely regarded as the greatest shooter in franchise history.

He would lead the Heat to its first two trips to the playoffs and allowed many of the first Heat greats to develop around him without hindrance to his or their growth.

The Heat would trade him in November of 1995 for Alonzo Mourning. When he left, he had played in 478 career games for the Heat…only missing 14 games in 6 seasons in Miami.

He ranks high in several Heat career marks: Field Goals/ Free Throw Percentage (2), Minutes/ Steals/ Points/ Three Pointers (3), Games (4), Free Throws Made (5), Defensive Rebounds/ Total Rebounds (6), Assist (7), and Offensive Rebounds (10).

The Heat needs to hurry and retire the man’s jersey already.

2. Alonzo Mourning: 1995-2002 and 2004-2007

Alonzo Mourning was acquired in a 1995 November trade with the Hornets for Glenn Rice. The move was made after Mourning refused to sign a contract with the Hornets.

The man he fans would come to know as “Zo” will forever be remembered as the foundation upon which the Heat organization stands. Without him, the Heat organization would not know the success that it has.

Mourning was the first Heat player ever to be selected to an All-Star game. He also was the leader of a Heat franchise that won 4 consecutive Atlantic Division Titles. He’s also the only Defensive Player of the Year winner in franchise history.

Mourning might be remembered more for his work in the Miami community than for his work on the court. He has the title of generating more money for charity than any athlete in the history of Miami sports.

Simply put, Mourning is the greatest man in Miami Heat history, and that shouldn’t ever change.

He ranks high in several Heat career categories: Blocks/Total rebounds/ Offensive Rebounds/ Defensive rebounds/ Games (1), Minutes/ Free Throws Made/ Points (2), Field Goals Made/ Field Goal Percentage (3), and Steals (10).

1. Dwyane Wade: 2003-Current

Acquired in the 2003 NBA draft with the fifth overall pick.

His legendary story speaks for itself. He currently stands as the sixth most efficient player in NBA history...NBA HISTORY!!!

When his story is over, he may go down as the second greatest shooting guard in NBA history.

Need not mention his career rankings because they will generally read number-one when he retires.