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The 5 worst draft picks in Miami Heat history

By Rob Slater

Apr 15, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley (30) shoots against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Heat won 105-101. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley (30) shoots against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Heat won 105-101. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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5. Kurt Thomas

While the hard-nosed forward went on to play 18 years in the NBA, his time with the Heat was brief as he was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 1995 draft.

His rookie campaign was strong, starting 42 games and averaging a respectable nine points and six rebounds, but an ankle injury in his second year stunted his development, appearing in just 18 games.

With Pat Riley new in town, he dealt Thomas and others to Dallas in exchange for more scoring, securing Jamal Mashburn. While Mashburn proved to be a centerpiece of those competitive teams of the late 90s, it was Thomas who landed on the other side playing seven years for the Knicks and bringing that toughness to the team that did battle with the Heat for many years.

It’s tough to imagine what could’ve been if the Heat held onto Thomas (assuming they were able to get Mashburn another way) and pitted him against that tough Knicks frontline.

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