The 5 best draft picks in Miami Heat history

2. Glen Rice (SF) – No. 4 pick in 1989 NBA Draft

Career stats (with the Heat): 478 GP, 19.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.8 TOV, 45.9 FG%, 38.6 3P%, 83.5 FT%

As good as Rice was throughout his time in Miami, and his career as a whole, he would undoubtedly have been even more potent in the modern-day NBA. One of the most deadly shooters in NBA history, Rice was simply a sniper whose career 40.0 percent clip from three-point range just one way of measuring his value from the perimeter.

After arriving from the University of Michigan, Rice made an immediate impact, with his game gradually improving in each of his six seasons with the Heat. This featured Rice averaging at least 21.1 points per game on three separate occasions. His final season with the Heat saw Rice shoot at a 47.5 percent clip from the field and 41.0 percent from three-point range, while averaging 22.3 points per game.

That season included Rice exploding for a career-high 56 points in a home win against the Orlando Magic. Playing 45 minutes, Rice shot an insane 20-of-27 from the field, which included 7-of-8 from downtown. This was all the more impressive considering the Magic were leading the Eastern Conference standings on their way to an NBA Finals appearance.

Looking back on this performance after his career had finished, Rice explained the game from his perspective:

"“This was a nationally televised game, which gave us some extra incentive as well….There are certain times when a shooter feels like even the longest jumpers are layups. As you lift and release, it’s like the rim has expanded to three feet wide. I was feeling that for this entire game….The one thing everyone agreed on is that they’d never seen anything like it.”"

However after posting a 32-50 record and missing the playoffs, the Heat brought in Pat Riley in the role of head coach and team president that offseason. As a result, Rice was dealt with a number of other players to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for All-Star center Alonzo Mourning.

Although Mourning was amazing in his time with the Heat, the deal meant the Heat missed out on experiencing first hand the remaining prime years of Rice’s career. In the ensuing three seasons, Rice was named an All-Star each year, including posting a career-high 26.8 points per game in 1997-98, where he finished 11th in MVP voting.

Rice’s crowning achievement came as a member of the 2000 NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers.