Which Four Miami Heat Legends Belong On The Team’s Mount Rushmore?
The Miami Heat have had many great players, coaches, and executives since being founded in 1988.
The franchise has enjoyed much success over its 36 years in the NBA. The Heat have won three championships and many great players and coaches have represented the organization. Who has been the most influential in the Heat’s success?
Dwayne Wade
He spent 15 years playing for the Heat. He is the team leader in many statistical categories, including games, points, assists, and steals. Wade quickly became the team’s go-to player after being selected in the 2003 NBA Draft. Wade led the Heat to the 2006 NBA championship in just his third season. He then helped the team win two more titles in 2012 and 2013. Wade finished his time with the Heat as a 13-time All-Star.
LeBron James
He only played four seasons for the Heat, but he is still one of the best players in the franchise’s history. James won back-to-back MVPs in 2012 and 2013. He also led the Heat in points, rebounds, and assists during those two title-winning seasons. The Heat reached the finals in each of the four years that James was on the team. James has since continued to enjoy a Hall-of-Fame career since leaving the franchise.
Pat Riley
He has helped architect much of the Heat's. Riley won four championships as the coach of the Los Angeles Lakers before joining the Heat in 1995 as the team’s president and coach. He coached the Heat for 11 seasons and won the 2006 title. He fully transitioned to a front-office role after the 2007-08 season. Riley then attracted many high-profile free agents like LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Jimmy Butler. He has won three championships during his tenure with the Heat and has helped put together many competitive teams.
Erik Spoelstra
He is another influential coach in the Heat’s history. He joined the coaching staff in 1997 and eventually took over as head coach in 2008. Spoelstra has coached the Heat to two NBA championships and another four finals appearances. Over his 16 seasons with the team, Spoelstra has the most wins and games coached for the Heat. Spoelstra recently signed a new contract extension that is set to keep him with the Heat for the foreseeable future.
Many other players in the Heat’s history are all deserving of recognition. Udonis Haslem, Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Hardaway, Alonzo Mourning, and Chris Bosh all played influential roles with the team. Current Heat players like Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo may someday enter the discussion as well.
Casey Fahrer is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at caseyfahrer716@gmail.com.
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