9. Chris Quinn
Current Miami Heat assistant coach Chris Quinn was once on their roster. The 6’2 guard went undrafted in 2006 after four years at Notre Dame. The Heat had just won their first championship and were eager to sign Quinn for his high basketball IQ and ability to run the offense.
His role was inconsistent as a rookie. Quinn played in 42 games but earned less than ten minutes each night and shot 36.6 percent from the field.
The 24-year-old improved significantly in year two and earned 25 starts. Miami was decimated by injuries in 2008. Ricky Davis was the only player to appear in more than 70 games, and Quinn was one of four to notch more than 60. It was still shocking to see him starting. Quinn averaged 7.8 points and 3.0 assists in 22.3 minutes in what would be his best NBA season.
Chris Quinn played a third year with the Miami Heat but did not make a start. He was traded to the Nets in 2009 for a second-round pick. The 6’2 guard appeared in just 73 more games over three seasons before hanging up the shoes to coach.
Quinn should not have been starting during the Dwyane Wade era. The Miami Heat expected to contend every year, and the current Heat assistant was a backup point guard at best.