With the All-Star weekend here, it's a good time to look back at some of the most memorable moments in Miami Heat history.
Miami has had a lot of famous players representing them during all-star weekend. From Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O'Neal, and LeBron James. Let's take a look back on some memorable moments during the all-star weekend
1. Dwyane Wade first All-Star game
Dwyane Wade was Miami's first all-star that they drafted. Before Wade, Miami had Alonzo Moring and Tim Hardaway, but Miami didn't draft them. 2005 in Denver was Wade's first all-star game. It hit differently when you have the guy you drafted in the all-star game. Miami is a younger franchise, and having their own all-star for the first time was remarkable in many ways. Thirteen all-star games later, Wade has been Miami's face of the franchise.
2. Big 3 first All Star appearance
When Miami Big 3 first came together, there was a lot of backlash. Call it what it is: many fanbases and media members were jealous that Miami got three top free agents in one summer. There were a lot of opinions going around about LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh would be giving up All-NBA teams, All-Star games, and other individual awards. All members made it to four straight all-star appearances during the Big Three era. Miami being represented by Wade for the past couple of years was unique to Miami fans because Wade was our guy. But, when Miami had James and Bosh representing Miami in the all-star game for the first time, it felt different. James, who has been the face of the league since he was drafted back in 2003, was on our team. All eyes were on us during the 2011 all-star weekend.
3. Bam Adebayo's first All-Star game
Bam Adebayo's first all-star game was in Chicago, which was special to Miami Heat fans for various reasons. Adebayo was Miami's second player in franchise history who Miami drafted. Before Adebayo, Miami did not have much luck drafting players besides him and Wade. There is always talk from the outside that Miami acquire players through free agency or trade. Drafting your all-star is a special feeling for any organization. Miami selected Adebayo in the 2017 draft, and Miami selected him 14th overall. Many were confused as to why Miami selected another center when Miami already had Hassan Whiteside on the roster. Adebayo exceeded expectations from being a late lottery pick to being a multiple-time all-star, a two-time Olympic medalist, and a defensive team, and he has been on the defensive player of the year list for multiple years. To see Adebayo from a rookie to what he is now is special for Miami fans.
4. Derrick Jones Jr. winning the slam dunk contest
When Derrick Jones Jr. won the slam dunk contest in 2020, it was a wild night on social media. Many were upset that Aaron Gordan lost another close slam dunk contest. In 2016, Gordan lost to Zach Lavine in a close dunk contest. To make matters worse on social media, Dwyane Wade was one of the slam dunks judges, and many thought that Wade was biased towards his former teammate ( Jones Jr.).Wade went viral that night, holding the number 9 when he rated Gordan's dunk. Many people on social media said that Gordan won, which was music to Miami fans' ears. Miami fans like it when everyone is against us. It is just something we are used to; truthfully, we wouldn't want it any other way. Jones was Miami's second player in franchise history to win the slam dunk contest, with Harold Miner being a two-time winner ( 1993,1995)
5. Tyler Herro becoming an All Star
Tyler Herro is one of the most polarizing players in the NBA, from being in trade rumors after his rookie season to debates about whether or not he should be a starter or come off the bench to Miami making the finals because he got injured. Also, Pat Riley called Herro "fragile" at Riley end of the end-of-the-year press conference. Herro will respond with his work on the court. When it comes to Herro's play, you either like him or don't. Herro has improved every year since entering the league. Many said Herro would never be an All-Star; looks like they were wrong. Herro was named an All-Star this season. Herro has had his best season this year, although this season has been challenging for many reasons. It's nice to see that Herro's hard work that he put into the off-season worked out for him. As a Miami fan, it's nice to see Miami develop another late lottery pick into an All-Star.