The Miami Heat emerged in 1988, and had a forgettable first few years, but in the mid-1990s became a competitive franchise. In fact, in the 21st century, they have won three NBA championships, only the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors have won more.RELATED: 10 Best Players In Houston Rockets HistoryIn their short history, the Miami Heat have had several phenomenal players, including some of the greatest players of all time. These players left body and soul on the court in every game, earning the respect of the fans. Without further ado, let's take a look at the 10 best players in Miami Heat history.

10 Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O'Neal only played four seasons for the Miami Heat and was past his prime, but he still has merit to be considered one of the best players in the history of the franchise. Shaq was instrumental in winning the first title in the team's history, in the 2005-06 season.

O'Neal averaged 19.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game in 205 games in a Heat uniform. He also has the fifth-highest Player Efficiency Rating in franchise history, at 23.9, and the sixth-best Box Plus/Minus, at 2.9.

9 Bam Adebayo

Bam Adebayo is just 25 years old, and he is arguably one of the best players in Miami Heat history. Right now, he averages 13.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game, with a 19.9 Player Efficiency Rating.

“Bam Bam” is already in the top 10 in franchise history in Win Shares (37.1), Value Over Replacement Player (12.5), rebounds (3,035), assists (1.255), and blocks (325).

8 Udonis Haslem

Udonis Haslem has never been an extraordinary player, in fact, his Player Efficiency Rating is below average (12.9). However, he has been loyal and has played his entire 19-year NBA career with the Miami Heat and thus has become one of the best players in franchise history.

Haslem has 5,783 rebounds (first in franchise history), 6,562 points (seventh), 424 steals (10th), 251 blocks (10th), and 50.9 Win Shares (fourth).

7 Hassan Whiteside

In five seasons with the Miami Heat, Hassan Whiteside averaged 14.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, making it clear that he had become one of the most efficient centers in the game.

Whiteside ranks fifth in franchise history in rebounds (3,870), third in blocks (783), third in Player Efficiency Rating (24.2), third in Win Shares per 48 minutes (.199), and tenth in Value Over Replacement Player (10.7).

6 Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler arrived at the Miami Heat before the start of the 2019-2020 season. He has only been with the team for a short time, but his performance has been superlative, proving to be one of the most talented players to ever wear a Miami uniform.

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In fact, Butler has a Player Efficiency Rating of 24.5 and .234 Win Shares per 48 minutes, second best in franchise history in both departments, and he is already sixth in VORP (13.0). He is one of the best small forwards in the NBA right now and can lead the team to success.

5 Tim Hardaway

Tim Hardaway was a true threat on offense, when he had the ball in his hands, he created the play like a genius. That's precisely why he averaged 17.3 points and 7.8 assists per game in six seasons with the Miami Heat, not to mention 3.2 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game.

"Tim Bug" is second in franchise history in assists (2,867), fourth in Value Over Replacement Player (20.4), seventh in Win Shares (44.1), fourth in Box Plus/Minus (4.1), sixth in steals (541) and ninth in points (6,335).

4 Chris Bosh

NBA Hall of Famer Chris Bosh could not be missing from this list, as he was a very important piece in the Miami Heat's back-to-back titles. In six seasons with the team, he recorded 18 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.9 blocks and was an All-Star in each of his campaigns with the team.

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Unfortunately, he was forced to retire at age 32 due to blood clots. Bosh ranks in the top 10 in franchise history in points (6,914), rebounds (2,816), blocks (332), Win Shares (44.2), and Value Over Replacement (11.5).

3 Alonzo Mourning

Alonzo Mourning joined the Miami Heat on November 3, 1995, via a trade from the Charlotte Hornets. He played seven seasons with the team, becoming a megastar. Unfortunately, Mourning suffered a kidney ailment and missed one season, but returned to action with the New Jersey Nets.

Eventually "Zo" returned to Miami to play the final years of his career. In a Heat uniform, he averaged 16 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game.

2 Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade is the only player to have been present in each of the Miami Heat's championship victories, being the MVP in the 2006 Finals. He is the franchise's all-time leader in points (21,556), assists (5,310), steals (1,492), Win Shares (116.1), and Value Over Replacement Player (60.3).

Wade was a 13-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA, and was the 2008-09 scoring champion. When someone talks about Miami legends, Dwyane Wade always comes to mind.

1 LeBron James

The best player in Miami Heat history is arguably LeBron James. This guy played just four years for the team, but he made an unparalleled impact. King James led the team to back-to-back championships, being named the Finals MVP both times. He averaged 26.9 points per game, 7.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, with a 29.6 Player Efficiency Rating (highest in franchise history).

LeBron also has the highest Box Plus/Minus (9.8) and Win Shares per 48 minutes (.281), and he had a 33.1 Value Over Replacement Player, which is insane for a four-year span. LeBron James left an indelible mark in Miami.