Since entering the league, The Miami Heat have made the playoffs in fifteen out of their twenty three seasons. Their greatest accomplishment could very well end up being their formulation of the "Big 3" (LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh), but as of now their biggest accomplishment is an NBA Championship in 2006. Players who have passed through the Heat's locker room and have made notable impacts are Alonzo Mourning, Glen Rice, Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Hardaway, Dwyane Wade and Rony Seikaly. In my opinion, greatest Miami Heat of all time are Glen Rice, Alonzo Mourning and Dwyane Wade.
No. 3: Glen Rice (1989 - 1995)
Miami's first ever superstar was Glen Rice. He found ways to score, something the Heat desperately needed at the time and he instantly became a household name for Heat fans. He also became the first Miami player to average more than 20 points per game in a single season. In five of his six seasons at Miami, he shot 38-percent or better from behind the three-point line. Rice was the biggest reason behind the Heat's first-ever playoff appearance in 1992 against the Chicago Bulls.
No. 2: Alonzo Mourning (1995 - 2002 & 2005 - 2008)
Alonzo Mourning was one of the most passionate players to play in the NBA. Mourning always gave 100-percent to his team and that, combined with his tremendous physical gifts, immediately transformed the Heat into strong playoff contenders. He is Miami's all-time leader in games played and total rebounds. While with the Heat, "Zo" was named to the All-Star team on five occasions and named Defensive Player of the Year twice. His efforts led the team to four consecutive Atlantic Division titles. Mourning left the Heat after 2002, but returned in 2005 and managed to be a part of the successful 2006 campaign as a backup center when the Heat won the title against Dallas Mavericks. He will be remembered for his ever-dominating presence in the paint.
No. 1: Dwyane Wade (2003 - Present)
Dwyane Wade was drafted 5th overall in the 2008 draft, which also consisted of players such as Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh. Dwyane Wade became the greatest Miami Heat of all time, after single-handedly carrying Miami on his shoulders to a 2006 Finals victory, the Heat's first and only (so far). His performance throughout the Finals can be seen as one of the greatest ever in NBA history. Wade is already the all-time leader for the Heat in points, assists, steals, free throws, field goals and overall minutes played for the team. His other achievements include a 2006 Finals MVP, six-time All-Star team selection, five-time All-NBA selection and three-time NBA Defensive Team selection. The twenty nine-year old has had a great career thus far and his future still looks bright. No matter who else is in Miami, the Heat will likely always be known as Dwyane Wade's team.
The Heat have come a long way to become the team they are today, and that is due to past contributors such as Glen Rice and Alonzo Mourning. However, Dwyane Wade took the Heat from an average team to being the best team in the NBA. He has truly deserves to be considered greatest Miami Heat player of all-time.
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