Now that we’ve dissected and analyzed the best dunkers in Miami Heat history, let’s get down to the best shooters who have ever suited up for the red and black. Shooting is a calculated art form that requires a lot of practice and repetition to master the technique. Once the form and range is embedded, just imagine adding some of the best athletes in the world jumping at you with a hand in your face and the shot-clock winding down.
Some of the players on this list played a short time with the Heat but have hit some of the biggest shots in the franchise’s history. Several shooters on the list have also won the three-point contest where they have competed against the best the league has to offer. So without further ado, here are the 10 greatest three-point shooters in franchise history.
10. Mario Chalmers
Despite “Super Mario” hitting a massive shooting slump in the 2014 playoffs, Chalmers has proven on several occasions that he is capable of making big shots. Selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round (34th overall) of the 2008 draft out of Kansas, the Heat acquired his rights in a trade. Chalmers is fourth all-time in Heat history with 622 three-pointers made (and counting) and also shares the single-game record for threes made in a game (10).
Next: Dan Majerle
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9. Dan Majerle
“Thunder Dan” was part of the Heat transformation in the mid-to-late 90s, as he went on to play five seasons with Miami (1996-2001). Majerle had unlimited range, at times pulling up from a good four, five feet beyond the three-point arc. He is sixth all-time in three-pointers made (414) for the Heat.
Next: Daequan Cook
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8. Daequan Cook
Cook was drafted in the first round of the 2007 NBA draft (21st overall) out of Ohio State University. He won the 2009 three-point contest as he became a specialist instead of the all-around player Miami envisioned him to be. Cook made 272 threes in his three seasons with the Heat.
Next: Voshon Lenard
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7. Voshon Lenard
As the late great Hall of Famer and former Heat analyst Dr. Jack Ramsey would say after a made three, “Lenard! Lenard!” Lenard was a knock down assassin from behind the arc. Lenard played five seasons (1995-2000) in Miami — during those highly competitive rivalries versus the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks — ranking fifth all-time with 473 threes made. He won the 2004 three-point contest as a member of the Denver Nuggets.
Next: James Jones
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6. James Jones
“JJ” signed with the Heat in 2008. He was acquired specifically to space the floor for the second unit during his six seasons (2008-14) in Miami. The former American High School and University of Miami standout won the 2011 three-point contest. Jones hit 283 trifectas ranking him tenth on the Heat’s all-time list. Jones signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers this season as he was highly recruited by LeBron James.
Next: Jason Kapono
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5. Jason Kapono
Kapono spent two seasons with the Heat as a three-point specialist hitting 129 treys in limited playing time. He was very one-dimensional, which led to his departure from Miami. Kapono won the three-point contest in 2007 as a member of the Heat, and again, the following year (2008) as a member of the Toronto Raptors. His incredible shooting ability kept him in the league for a couple more seasons as he became a journeyman player.
Next: Eddie Jones
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4. Eddie Jones
“EJ” was a jack-of-all trades type of player as he had a tremendous all-around game. Jones is second in Heat history in three-point shots made at 712. The Pompono Beach native played six seasons in Miami (2000-05, 2007). His favorite trey was from the corner but if players ran out to the shot he’d put the ball on the ground and throw it down with his gifted athleticism.
Next: Tim Hardaway
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3. Tim Hardaway
Hardaway is the Heat’s all-time leader in three-pointers made (806). “Timmy” hit numerous clutch shots throughout his six seasons in Miami. Who could forget the way he’d maneuver with his low dribble, occasionally displaying his classic crossover, square his feet (standing on his tippy toes) and suddenly raise up and drain a cold-blooded three. Hardaway, along with Alonzo Mourning, were important components of the first Heat team with serious aspirations of competing for a championship.
Next: Glen Rice
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2. Glen Rice
“G-Money” is number three all-time in three-pointers made (708) in Heat History. Rice was the fourth pick in the first round of the 1989 draft out of the University of Michigan as he went on to play six seasons with the Heat. He went on to win the 1995 three-point contest. His form is also a remedy for any young shooter to emulate. Rice scored a career-high 56 points versus the Orlando Magic in 1995.
Next: Ray Allen
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1. Ray Allen
It should come as no surprise that “Jesus Shuttlesworth” is first on this list as he is the NBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers made (2,973). Allen hit arguably the biggest shot in Heat history against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 6 of the NBA Finals with 5.2 seconds left, that sent the game into overtime. Miami went on to win the championship as Allen left a lasting impression before his departure. He hit 255 threes in his two seasons with Miami (2012-14). Allen won the three-point contest in 2001 as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. His shot is considered one of the best textbook forms ever seen by a player.
Honorable Mentions
Mike Miller – Miller spent three seasons with the Heat (2010-13) and made 169 triples from behind the arc. He was an instrumental component in the 2012 Finals versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. Let’s not forget his memorable three-pointer while missing a sneaker. The Heat amnestied Miller after the 2013 season. He is currently a member of the Cleveland Cavs as he was also recruited by “King James.”
Shane Battier – Battier was another intrical player during Miami’s late championship runs as he hit very important threes in his tenure as a Heat player (2011-14). Not only would he occasionally cover the opposing team’s best player and take critical charges, he was a set shooter who you could rely on down the stretch. He finished with 271 triples while playing in Miami.
Damon Jones – Jones only spent one season as a Heat player (2004-05) as he drained a career-best 225 threes. Jones competed in the three-point contest in 2007.
Eddie House – House was one of Miami’s all-time fan favorites who could catch fire as soon as he got in the game. He spent four seasons (2000-03, 2010-11) with the Heat, making 177 three-pointers.
Rashard Lewis – Lewis’ best days were behind him when he joined Miami in 2012. His playing time was sporadic but he did have some stints where he showed flashes of his “old self,” as he hit 97 threes in his two seasons with the Heat. Lewis made 1,787 threes in his NBA career.
Jason Williams – “White Chocolate” was not as flashy and quick as he once was when he played for the Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies, but his three-point shot became a more consistent weapon as he got older. Williams finished ninth all-time in threes made (304) in his three seasons with Miami (2005-08).
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