NBA Power Rankings: An Orlando Magic Fan’s Ranking of the Miami Heat Players
This slideshow will look at the best players on the Miami Heat in order. While it may start a few debates, I have tried to list solid reasons for my rankings and have spoken about each player's strengths and deficiencies.
I have enormous respect for this Miami team, even if I don't agree with LeBron James choosing to join it. Wade and Bosh would be good enough, LeBron just makes it ridiculous. I know many others feel the same way, but heck, if LeBron doesn't want to go down as a great and wants to take the easy way to rings, so be it.
Just know that real legends like Barkley are going to call you out for it.
1. Dwyane Wade
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You’re probably wondering how I can justify putting Wade ahead of LeBron.
It’s simple. Wade has won a ring.
While both players had mediocre supporting casts, Wade’s was even worse than LeBron’s and yet he still carried a team of hapless NBA players to the playoffs. Moreover, the Heat are still Wade’s team, and he might lead them in scoring this year if ‘Bron defers enough to him.
2. LeBron James
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Naturally, LeBron goes ahead of Bosh. There really isn’t much of an argument to be made. Both LeBron and Wade carried poor teams to the playoffs; Bosh’s Raptors failed to make it.
3. Chris Bosh
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Bosh is the clear-cut No. 3 choice. He possesses a unique skill set and is remarkably quick for someone who is 6’10”. If Erik Spoelstra wanted to, he could play Bosh at SF and go with a huge front line that would give many teams problems.
4. Mike Miller
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Miller is the only player outside the big three to have a contract of any weight at all (roughly $5 milllion).
He’s one of the best three-point shooters in the league year in and year out, and he should carry the Heat’s second unit.
5. Udonis Haslem
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Haslem has been steady and effective his entire career. He’s not flashy, he doesn’t make a lot of highlights, but he makes a difference every night by rebounding and hitting his mid-range jump shot. He’s kind of like a poor man’s Horace Grant.
6. Zydrunas Ilgauskas
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Though in his twilight years, Ilgauskas still possesses a deadly jumpshot, and his 7’3” frame makes him an imposing figure on the boards. Surprisingly, he’s not much of a shot-blocker, which is probably his only downfall as a giant.
7. Eddie House
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A bit of a tossup here between Mario Chalmers and House, but House is proven and has been on better teams. I don’t think Chalmers would have cracked the rotation had he been a Celtic.
8. Mario Chalmers
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Talent is starting to run thin here, but Chalmers is a solid defender and has a nice outside shot. He could be a real talent if he ever applied his mind to the game.
9. Carlos Arroyo
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Arroyo, though less talented than Chalmers at this point in their respective careers, is still the next best player on the Heat. He still has some good play-making skills, and once in a while he dazzles the crowd with a nifty pass or two.
10. Joel Anthony
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Anthony should get his fair share of minutes and is a good shot blocker. Offensively he is very raw, but his trademark is his defense.
11. James Jones
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What can you say? Jones is a one-dimensional shooter but not bad for an 11th man.
12. Dexter Pittman
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Still a bit of an unknown, Pittman is at least a big, powerful body. We'll see in time if he ever develops into any kind of player.
13. Nobody
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This random picture of a horse represents the rest of the Miami team.
Absolutely no one else on this Heat team is even worth a roster slot. Sorry, Patrick Beverley, Da’Sean Butler, Mickell Gladness, Kenny Hasbrouck, Jamaal Magloire, and Shavlik Randolph—but you guys do not belong on an NBA roster.
