3. Rony Seikaly (C) – No. 9 pick in 1988 NBA Draft
Career games (with the Heat): 439 GP, 15.4 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 1.3 APG, 2.9 TOV, 48.3 FG%, 66.2 FT%
A native of Lebanon, Seikaly was the Heat’s first ever draft selection, and as such has a special place in the history of the franchise. Despite being somewhat undersized for a center at 6-foot-10, Seikaly proved to be an inspired choice following a stellar college career at Syracuse.
Seikaly averaged at least 10.3 rebounds for five consecutive seasons, ranking in the top eight in the league in four of those year’s. His best statistical season came in 1992-93 when Seikaly posted 17.1 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. Unfortunately for Seikaly and the Heat the posted just 36-46 record and missed out on the postseason.
Despite being relatively undersized at his position, Seikaly’s relentless hustle was something to behold. Over the course of his career, Seikaly had 20 or more rebounds on 21 occasions, his best return being 34 boards during a home win against the Washington Bullets in 1993.
Following this momentous performance, Seikaly explained his mindset during the course of the game:
"“It’s really a mind-set I put myself into. I was in a trance, a rebounding trance. It seemed like the ball always was bouncing my way.”"
Head coach Kevin Loughery also offered his thoughts on the performance:
"“That’s an amazing feat, to out-rebound an entire team (34-30). Actually, the last guy I remember out-rebounding an entire team is Wes Unseld in a playoff game against New York.”"
From a scoring perspective, Seikaly nailed a career-high 40 points on 15-of-23 from the field during a loss to the Chicago Bulls in 1990.
But just when Seikaly had clearly established himself as one of the premier centers in the league, the Heat front office shipped him off to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for forward Billy Owens. With the arrival of Pat Riley the following season, Owens lasted less than two seasons with the Heat.
Seikaly continued for a further six seasons following his departure from Miami, retiring at age 33.