In nearly three decades of their existence, the Miami Heat have had some amazing players. Whether they were incredible scorers, lockdown defenders or all-around superstars, there have been plenty of great players who played in Miami.
In this list, we will count down five best players to ever play in South Beach. The rankings will be done accounting player's success with the team as well as loyalty.
#5 - Chris Bosh (2010-2017)
Chris Bosh joined the Heat in 2010 as the team formed the Big 3. With Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, Bosh helped the team win two championships in 2012 and 2013.
Even though he was the third option on the team and he sometimes wasn't given enough credit, Bosh was one of the best stretch bigs in the NBA and he was a key factor in winning those championships.
Unfortunately, Bosh was waived by the Heat because of his health issues. The big man has dealt with blood clots for a few years and it became too dangerous for him to play professional basketball. Even though he is now gone, his jersey will be retired by the Heat someday and his amazing performances and the big rebound in game 6 of 2013 NBA Finals will never be forgotten.
#4 - Udonis Haslem (2003-Present)
Udonis Haslem has spent his entire NBA career with the Miami Heat and he will most likely retire as a Heat player.
Even though he's never been a superstar, Haslem had a few great seasons with the Heat and he won three championships with the team.
Haslem's locker room presence is unmatched and he's been an enforcer and a leader throughout his entire tenure with the Heat. Haslem is already the longest-tenured player in the Miami Heat history and he will be playing the 15th season for the team next year.
Furthermore, he's the franchise leader in rebounding and he ranks second in games played.
#3 - LeBron James (2010-2014)
Just like Bosh, LeBron James joined the Heat in 2010, turning the team into championship contenders. Even though he only stayed in Miami for four years, James helped the Heat win two championships, as well as make it to the NBA Finals in each of those years.
James' scoring average of 26.9 points per game is the highest in franchise history and he also won back-to-back MVP awards in 2012 and 2013. LeBron also won two Finals MVP awards in Miami. Despite his short tenure with the team, James achieved a lot and that is the biggest reason why he is definitely one of the greatest players to ever play in a Heat uniform.
#2 - Alonzo Mourning (1995-2002, 2005-2008)
Alonzo Mourning is the best center in the Heat history and he's also one of the best defenders to ever play in the NBA. Mourning joined Miami in 1995 and the Heat became one of the best teams in the East. Even though they couldn't make it to the NBA Finals, Miami and Mourning were very competitive and a tough to beat.
After his kidney issues and the short tenure with the New Jersey Nets, Mourning came back to Miami where he won a championship ring in 2006. As a 36-year-old center, Mourning mostly served as Shaquille O'Neal's backup, but he still had an amazing performance in the NBA Finals.
#1 - Dwyane Wade (2003-2016)
Without any doubt, Dwyane Wade is the greatest player in the Miami Heat history. Not only did he spend 13 years in Miami, but he was also one of the biggest contributors in every championship run. Beside impressive stats and accolades, Wade is a franchise leader in numerous statistical categories and it is unlikely that someone will surpass him soon.
Even though he is no longer a Heat player, there's a good chance he will come back to Miami and retire. Either way, once his impressive career is over, his jersey will be hanging on the rafters of the American Airlines Arena.
