Miami Heat: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history
By Frank Urbina
1. Dwyane Wade (SG) — No. 5 pick in 2003 NBA Draft
Career stats (with the Heat): 855 GP, 23.7 PPG, 5.8 APG, 4.8 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 3.4 TOV, 48.8 FG%, 28.4 3P%, 76.7 FT%
Yeah, I think the top spot on our list was kinda obvious from the jump. Dwyane Wade isn’t just the best player in Miami’s history, but a surefire Hall-of-Famer and easily one of the three or four best 2-guards ever.
Wade leads all Heat players in games played, field goals made (and missed), points scored, assists, free throws, free throw attempts and steals. His longevity as a superstar allowed him to experience two eras of dominance with the franchise: The first title team back in 2006 and the Big Three era just a few years after.
The Flash is a three-time NBA champ, has a Finals MVP trophy on his mantle at home (I mean, at least that’s where I think he’d put such a valuable piece of hardware), won gold with the 2008 Olympic men’s basketball team and was a 12-time All-Star. Throughout his time in South Florida, he made an astounding eight All-NBA teams, including the First Team twice (2009 and 2010).
His accolades go on and on, and his charitable contributions around the community were probably even more important. Though it’s unfortunate (and kinda sad) how it all ended, at least we got to experience one of the greatest careers for a player ever firsthand as Heat fans.
Next: 5 Options for the Miami Heat in the 2017 NBA Draft
One day, he’ll have a statue outside AmericanAirlines Arena and his jersey hanging up in the rafters. It’s safe to say the Heat at least hit one of their picks out of the park.