Ranking 15 worst starters of the Dwyane Wade era
By Tyler Watts
7. Joel Anthony
Anthony went undrafted out of UNLV in 2007 and landed with the Heat. The 6’9 big man protected the rim and blocked shots, but offered little else. He became known for his hustle and energy, but his lack of offensive game was problematic. Anthony never played more than 21.1 minutes per game and was best suited as a reserve big man who could patrol the paint.
The 6’9 big man played his first six and a half NBA seasons in Miami where he made 110 starts. Anthony got 51 in 2012 alone where he averaged 3.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 21.1 minutes. It was arguably his best statistical season, and the big man was starting for the Heatles with LeBron James and Chris Bosh flanking Dwyane Wade.
How could the Heat not find a better starter? They did not need another offensive weapon around three elite talents, but Anthony could not space the floor or even finish around the rim. He was a non-factor on offense and made double-teaming easier for the opposition.
Joel Anthony played 108 NBA games after leaving Miami and made zero starts. He averaged just over seven minutes per game and was a virtual non-factor for three different teams. Anthony helped the Miami Heat win two championships, but he should not have been a starter at any point, especially on one of the best teams in history.