Ranking the best Miami Heat players from 2000-2009
By Cory Sanning
Honorable Mentions
Caron Butler
Butler came out of the 2002 NBA draft as a lottery pick, taken by the Heat with the 10th overall selection.
He made an immediate impact his rookie season, averaging 15.4 points and 5.1 rebounds while earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors.
His production, however, significantly diminished the following year and he was dealt to the Los Angeles Lakers in a trade effort that acquired superstar center Shaquille O’Neal.
Ultimately, Butler’s time in Miami was too short, but had he not been traded, the Heat probably wouldn’t have three Larry O’Brien trophies in their display case.
Lamar Odom
Much has been made of Odom’s recent battle with addiction, but many forget that at one point, he was one of the most versatile players in the NBA.
In his lone season with the Heat, Odom averaged 17.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists on 43 percent shooting.
During the 2004 NBA Playoffs, Odom averaged 16.8 points and 8.3 rebound over the span of 13 games.
Had Odom spent more than a single season with the Heat and had he contributed to deeper playoff success, he very well could have found himself on this list.