Ranking the 5 best rookies in Heat history: Jaime Jaquez Jr. among elite company
Jaime Jaquez Jr. is proving to be one of the best Miami Heat rookies, but where does he rank amongst other franchise greats?
By Brennan Sims
4. Caron Butler
2002-2003: 15.4 PPG 5.1 RPG 1.8 SPG
A man who genuinely embodies Heat culture is none other than Caron Butler. Nicknamed "Tough Juice" for a reason, Butler was fearless as soon as he stepped in between the lines. Butler could guard multiple positions, get to the rim, and knock down the midrange jumper, which was essential back then.
Butler was named to the All-Rookie first team during his campaign. He had over 20 20-point games, including a season-high 35 points against the 51-win Minnesota Timberwolves. Butler oozes that "basketball crazy" that Pat Riley loves. There's a good reason why he's a part of the current coaching staff. He continues to bolster the Heat's toughness, even from the sidelines.