Ranking 15 worst starters of the Dwyane Wade era
By Tyler Watts
8. Shawne Williams
Williams was a first-round pick by the Pacers in 2006, but he struggled to find his place in the NBA. He never played more than 21 minutes per game for an entire season. Williams was an inconsistent shooter and his production left plenty to be desired.
After washing out with five different teams and spending time in the G League, the 6’9 forward signed with the Miami Heat in 2014. LeBron James had just gone back to Cleveland, and his former team needed a starter at the three. Williams was the choice on opening night, and his strong start had everyone believing Miami uncovered a hidden gem.
The 28-year-old averaged 10.2 points and 4.9 rebounds in 28.2 minutes per game over the team’s first 16 contests. He was shooting 48.6 percent from the field and over 49 percent on his 3-point tries. His hot start was unsustainable. Over the next 28 games, Williams averaged 4.6 points and 2.2 rebounds in 16.9 minutes, while shooting 37.2 percent from the field and just over 30 percent on his threes.
Shawne Williams was traded to the Pelicans in a three-team deal that brought Goran Dragic to Miami. He was quickly waived by the Pelicans before catching on with the Pistons. Williams played just 19 more NBA games and never started.
The 6’9 forward made 58 career starts and 22 of them inexplicably came with the Miami Heat. He was not a starter and never should have been one next to Dwyane Wade.