8. Luol Deng
Stats: (2015-2016): 13.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 35 percent from 3
Deng signed with Miami almost immediately following the departure of LeBron James, and was initially viewed as a cheap replacement.
From the start, Deng was his usual self. He defended well on the perimeter and even excelled as a scorer at times in Miami’s offensive system.
During the first round of the 2016 Playoffs against the Charlotte Hornets, Deng was the Heat’s most consistent threat throughout that seven-game grudge match, averaging 19 points, seven rebounds, and two assists per game while shooting the ball exceptionally well, particularly from 3 point range.
He would go on to deal with nagging injuries in the second round against the Toronto Raptors, and the Heat would fall in seven games.
Despite just spending two seasons in Miami, there is no doubt that the Heat don’t have a compelling team in 2016, where they nearly won 50 games and claimed the third seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Following the playoffs, Deng would sign a lucrative four-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, and has not experienced that same level of impact since.
Although Heat fans spent many more years hating him rather than cheering him on, Deng’s body of work in his two seasons warrants a spot on this list. He was the best available option at that time to replace the best player on the planet, and he did not disappoint.