With the recent emergence of point guard Mario Chalmers in his newly found role as Dwyane Wade‘s primary backup, we thought it’d be interesting to take a look at the five best point guards to ever put on a Miami Heat uniform.
5. Bimbo Coles (1990-1996, 2003-2004)
Although Coles wasn’t a player that filled up the stat sheet, there is a reason that he was a vital cog in the early Heat era. Coles was known for controlling the pace of the game and finding his teammates for open looks. He’s currently ranked 4th all-time in Heat history in total assists (1,961), finishing behind Wade, LeBron James, and Tim Hardaway.
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4. Mario Chalmers (2008-Present)
Heat lifer Mario Chalmers is currently in his 7th year with Miami and remains one of the most potent offensive weapons on the Heat. Known for his lethal outside shot and ability to stay in front of his man, there’s a reason that Pat Riley re-signed the Alaskan native to a two-year $8.3 million contract. Although many will rightfully lament Chalmers for his poor 2014 NBA Finals showing, there’s no doubt that ‘Rio is in the midst of a breakout season.
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3. Jason Williams (2005-2008)
Known from his earlier days on the Sacramento Kings, J-Will was a key asset on the 2005-2006 Miami Heat championship roster. Williams holds career averages of 10.5 points and 5.9 assists and may be the best passer in Heat history. “White Chocolate” will always be known for his Game 5 performance in the 2006 NBA Finals against the Detroit Pistons where he scored on 10 consecutive shot attempts and finished the game 10-12 with 21 points and six assists.
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2. Sherman Douglas (1989-1991)
Although Douglas had a short stint with the Heat, there was no denying his talent and ability on the court. In his rookie season, he averaged 14.3 PPG on a torrid 49 percent shooting clip to go along with 7.6 APG, and 1.8 SPG. Those numbers only rose his sophomore year when he averaged 18.5 PPG on 50.4% shooting and 8.5 APG. Douglas was quite the journeyman, but went on to have a solid NBA career.
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1. Tim Hardaway (1995-2001)
I’m sure you already knew where this list was headed as it would’ve been blasphemous to put anyone else at the top of this list. Heat icon and legend, Tim Hardaway, was the definition of a tough-nosed point guard. At 6’0″ and 195 pounds, Timmy was built like a tank and had no fear when it came to taking it in the lane. Combined with his deadly double-crossover, Hardaway gave opposing point guards nightmares as they tried to stay in front of him. Hardaway saw averages of 20.3 points and 8.6 assists per game in his second season with Miami and was a five-time All-Star. Ask any diehard Heat lifer, and they will tell you, Tim Hardaway was the best Miami Heat point guard to don the black and red.
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