The Miami Heat have one of the most prestigious NBA franchises since the turn of the century. Since 2000, the Heat have won nine division titles, reached the NBA Finals five times and won the crown three times. Three players that played for the franchise had their numbers retired and at least one more will end up with that honor when his career comes to a close. With so much greatness in such a short period, here is a look at the five greatest players in Miami Heat history.

5. Udonis Haslem

Some fans outside of Florida might find it blasphemous that Udonis Haslem made the list of the five greatest players in Miami Heat history and Shaquille O'Neal and Chris Bosh missed out on the list altogether.

There is a reason for that. Yes, O'Neal and Bosh are better players, but when it comes to members of the Heat organization, no one was more loyal than Haslem. He played a part in all three NBA titles and is still with the team, taking a pay cut to help young talent and serve as the veteran leader on the court.

4. Tim Hardaway

As mentioned before, three members of the Miami Heat have their numbers retired. One of those players was no longer around when the Miami Heat started winning titles but was the face of the franchise for six years. The reason that Tim Hardaway is one of the five greatest players in Miami Heat history is that there wasn't a point guard in Heat history that could do what Hardaway did.

When he retired, Hardaway held four franchise records. The Heat retired his No. 10 in 2009.

3. Alonzo Mourning

If there is one player that fans can call Mr. Miami Heat, it would be Alonzo Mourning. He played in Miami from 1995 until 2002 and then again from 2005 until 2008. In those 10 seasons, Mourning led Miami to their first division title (1997) and was part of their first NBA title (2006).

Mourning was a five-time All-Star with the Heat and retired holding six franchise records, making him an easy choice as one of the five greatest players in Miami Heat history.

2. LeBron James

If this list was just about naming the best players in NBA history, LeBron James might still rank No. 2 but behind a very different star.

However, when it comes to the Heat, there is still one person more valuable to the franchise that King James. However, as one of the five greatest players in Miami Heat history, there is no discounting what LeBron meant to the Heat. When he joined the team, they made it to four consecutive NBA Finals, winning two of them (2012, 2013). However, James left the franchise after that fifth NBA Finals appearance, ensuring he remains No. 2 on this list.

1. Dwyane Wade

When it comes to the top of the list of the five greatest players in Miami Heat history, Dwyane Wade sits alone - above LeBron James and even Alonzo Mourning. Alonzo was the heart and soul of the entire franchise, but Wade was there as the star when they made it to all five NBA Finals.

He was the MVP of the NBA Finals in 2006 and was an integral part of the runs with LeBron James as well. Wade also stuck around Miami until the Heat chose to part ways. If there is one man that deserves to retire as a member of the Miami Heat and see his jersey retired and hanging high, Dwyane Wade deserves it above all others.
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