3 Miami Heat Greats That Don't Get Enough Respect

The Miami Heat have only been around in the NBA since 1988, but they have s seen a ton of talent pass through town, with three champioships to show for it. Players like Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Tim Hardaway Sr. and Shaquille O’Neal are some of the most recognizable names in franchise history, but there are a few great players that do not get the respect they deserve in Miami based on their contributions. This trio tops that list.

3. Glen Rice

Rice played in Miami in the very early days of the Heat’s existence, and was one of the best to ever do it in the 305. A near-20-point scorer per game while shooting 38% from deep, Rice gets lost in the discussion of great Heat players given that his teams did not have much overall success. In his six seasons in Miami, the Heat only made the playoffs twice. While those teams were lackluster, Rice sure carried his weight.

2. Alonzo Mourning

Zo was the first great center to play for the Heat. He made five All-Star appearances in Miami and was one of the greatest shot blockers of his time. A kidney disease that made Mourning miss a season is what held him back, but when Mourning returned to Miami, he was a role player who helped the team to a championship in 2006. Had health been on his side, Zo would get his full due.

1. Chris Bosh

Based on stats and accolades, Chris Bosh is truly one of the greatest Heat players ever. Six All-Star appearances and two NBA championships puts Bosh on a pedestal that most players of his generation never reached. Being that his career was cut short and he was overshadowed by James and Wade, Bosh never truly got the credit he deserved. Anyone who watched Miami in the early 2010’s knows that Bosh was key for the Heat, and is the prototype of the modern stretch 5.