The Miami Heat are still considered a younger NBA franchise. The Heat were founded in 1988 and have experienced numerous early victories, including three NBA titles and seven Finals trips. Also, Miami has had seven Hall of Famers that have played for them.
Even during their short lifespan, the Heat have had a lot of talent walk through their doors. Regretfully, they may have had to let some talent go before their full potential was recognized through trades or free agency. Let’s zoom through the decades and take a look at who Miami gave up on too soon.
1980s: Glen Rice
Glen Rice played for the Miami Heat for seven seasons after being selected fourth overall in the draft. Over the course of his career, Rice demonstrated a high degree of ball-scoring ability. Rice delivers some of the scoring load despite being a rookie.
Starting in 60 games, Rice averaged 13.6 points per game in his rookie season. Rice led Miami to its first postseason in 1992. Miami lost to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. The following season, Rice led Miami back to the playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks, where Miami got its first franchise playoff win but lost in five.
The following season was Rice’s best season in Miami; Rice averaged 22.3 points a game, made 185 three-pointers, participated in the All-Star weekend, and won the three-point contest. Despite having a career year, Miami missed the playoffs; in 1995, the Miami Heat hired Pat Riley as their GM/Head Coach. Riley traded Rice to the Charlotte Hornets for Alanozo Moring.
That trade made Miami develop a culture, and what we know Miami for now started back in 1995. Rice ended up having a promising career. Being a three-time starter, I won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2000. Miami acquired Morning, who became a franchise legend for Miami. But if Miami had kept Rice, would it have had “heat culture”?
Miami had to give up Rice to improve the team, but it is fun to think what would have happened if Rice had stayed longer in Miami. Would Rice be a better player? Does Miami try to make a trade for someone who doesn’t involve Rice? Does Miami trade for Tim Hardway?
