Ranking 15 worst starters of the Dwyane Wade era
By Tyler Watts
3. Daequan Cook
Cook was a first-round draft pick in 2007 that ended up in Miami via a draft night trade. He shot over 41 percent from 3-point range at Ohio State, and the 6’5 wing was expected to provide floor spacing in the NBA. He won the 3-point contest in 2009, but his shooting was inconsistent throughout his six-year career.
The Heat gave Cook 19 starts as a rookie as he produced arguably the best number of his career. Miami won just 15 games, but Cook’s 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game went on to be career-highs.
He made 26 starts for the Heat over three seasons, but the stats leave plenty to be desired. Cook averaged 8.0 points and 2.5 boards in 22.2 minutes per game. He shot 36.8 percent from the field and 35.8 percent on his threes.
The Heat dumped his contract in 2010 as they moved back from 18th to 32nd on draft night. Cook lasted just three more years in the league and shot under 37 percent from the field for his career. The 6’5 wing was a fringe NBA player who had no business making 26 starts for the Miami Heat. Things got worse in the playoffs as he shot just 31.0 percent from the field.