No.3: Ron Seikaly
March 3, 1993 vs. Washington Bullets
12 points (6-12), 34 rebounds (franchise record), 4 assists, 1 block
The Lebanese-born Ron Seikaly was one of the first internationally born players to make an impact on American basketball. Considered one of the top college players from Syracuse, the Miami Heat were quick to select the big man, using the franchise’s first ever draft pick (No.9 overall), before the start of their inaugural season.
During his time in Miami, Seikaly emerged as a pivotal player during the Heat’s first season of existence.
By his second season, he was averaging a double-double and was awarded the NBA Most Improved Player Award. He also was an important piece to help young players like Glen Rice and Steve Smith establish themselves as scoring threats.
“The Spin Doctor,” as he would later be nicknamed due to his trademark low-post spin moves, had arguably the best game of his career against the Washington Bullets on March 3, 1993, when he recorded a monstrous franchise record of 34 rebounds.
Since 1973, only two men have netted more rebounds than Seikaly (Moses Malone in1979 with 37 and Charles Oakley in1988 with 35). While he only scored 12 points, 34 rebounds is an eye-popping statistic that deserves to be included high on the list of best single-game Heat performances.
Seikaly was eventually traded to the Golden State Warriors in November of 1994 but Heat fans will always hold the big man near and dear to their hearts for pioneering the Heat through their first years after expansion and still contributing to many Miami based charities, as well as owning many restaurants and real estate in South Beach today.
Seikaly is also notable for being the first player to challenge Magic Johnson to a one-on-one game to show the league and players that HIV is not contagious by touch.