LeBron James
I’m sure this will generate some positive discussion.
Let’s put to the side the way things ended and all the nonsense over the fallout: LeBron James was the Heat’s best player during its greatest stretch in franchise history. Period.
The Heat became the second franchise in NBA history to make it to four consecutive Finals, winning back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013, a season in which they won 27-games in row – second most in NBA history. LeBron won two MVP awards, made it to four All-Star games, won an Olympic Gold Medal, and was the face of the greatest show on Earth. The Heat were on a different level of relevance because of LeBron’s involvement.
He’s the franchise’s leader in points per game (26.9), fourth in points scored (7,919), fourth in assists (1,980), and tenth in rebounds (2,225), LeBron was the total package for the Heat. And while he helped make them great, you can argue that LeBron’s best seasons of his soon-to-be Hall of Fame career were his four in Miami. LeBron evolved into an eater of worlds while with the Heat, maximizing his immense talents into an incredible two-way threat, finishing three times on the All-Defensive First Team, and Second Team in his last season with Miami. He also was an efficient killing machine, shooting 54.3% from the field, and 36.9 from downtown.
Yes, he left and may have disrespected Pat Riley and Micky Arison on the way out the door, and Heat fans might still hold a bitter taste in their mouths over the fallout over LeBron’s departure. But there certainly won’t be a debate about his place as the franchise’s best small forward,.
Maybe time will heal all wounds, with his jersey being retired, and cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in Heat history.
*All stats via basketball-reference.com unless otherwise noted.