Adebayo, who has evolved significantly throughout his career, has seamlessly transitioned to playing more as a power forward this season. He’s expanded his offensive game with a developing three-point shot, and Spoelstra has taken notice.

“It’s always a process when players add a new dimension to their game,” Spoelstra said postgame. “Bam was already working on this two years ago. It took some time to feel comfortable shooting it in a game.” Spoelstra even likened Adebayo’s progression to that of Hall of Famer Chris Bosh, who famously extended his range from midrange sniper to three-point threat during his tenure with the Heat from 2010 to 2016.

“It’s a little bit different because CB was already a really good 17-, 18-foot shooter right out of the gate,” Spoelstra explained. “Coming into the league, that’s what he did — face up, hit shots from the elbows and midpost. By the time he got to us, it was just a matter of extending it to the NBA three-point line. We really started him from the corners.”

Key differences, shared mindset

While Spoelstra noted that Bosh and Adebayo have different skill sets, he emphasized their shared mindset. “They’re kind of different players,” he said. “Bam came in as a dominant effort and energy defender, a winning player, a lob threat. Then he developed ball-handling and facilitating skills that were different from what CB had.”

“But what’s common between both of them is a commitment to constant evolution and improvement. That’s what I really appreciate about Bam. He just goes to work. He always adds new things that can help the team.”

Adebayo’s shooting leap

Adebayo is now making a legitimate case as one of the NBA’s most efficient high-volume three-point shooters among big men. After hitting just 23 threes over his first seven seasons, he’s found a groove in Year 8.

In Friday’s rout of the Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center, Adebayo knocked down a NBA career-high four threes on six attempts. Since January 29, he’s gone 50-of-115 from beyond the arc, good for an impressive 43.5% over a 34-game span. With Adebayo adding a reliable long-range shot to his already versatile skill set, the Heat may be entering the Play-In with more upside than most anticipated.

Asked about LeBron during an interview with All The Smoke in 2020, Chris offered a blunt opinion. “We all have our dreams of how things are gonna go and how career is gonna be played out. And, I mean, to actually watch him do it, I think we’re not gonna appreciate it until he’s done playing,” the former power forward began.

“And it’s gonna be a dangerous new norm for any other player who wants to be the GOAT,” Bosh said. “You’re at least gonna have to have 18 years of prime.”

To highlight how impressive James’ NBA journey has been, Bosh compared himself to him. “Even look at my career, great career, very long, but I only went to the Playoffs two times before going to Miami. Then we had the four-year stretch and that was it. That was all the Playoffs games I played,” he recalled. “He’s consistently played in the Playoffs…Just being able to play, being able to hoop at a high level for so long and still getting it done, I mean, it’s amazing.”

Bosh chooses between LeBron and Jordan

In another interview with ESPN in 2020, Chris Bosh was asked to choose between LeBron James and Michael Jordan. “I’m gonna go with Bron,” he replied, before giving the reasons for his decision. “One, cause that’s my guy.”

He then talked about how much James impacted his professional career. “I played with him. He’s given me many assists and many open shots, a lot of those pocket passes, pick and roll to the basket. He’s responsible for a nice portion of my points that I got in Miami,” Bosh said.

“To be quite honest, I was always envious of him,” the former power forward later added. “Because everybody’s like, ‘Oh, my goodness, LeBron James.’ Of course, he’s been looking at offensive packages for his whole life with the ball in his hands. As a big, I always wanted to do that.”

Bosh explains the differences between Jordan and LeBron

In that same conversation on ESPN, Bosh explained what, in his opinion, are the main differences between Michael Jordan and LeBron James. “Bron is more of a distributor, so if you watch his games, he works the games a little more. He passes, he gets his teammates involved early and then he kind of becomes agressive at scoring,” he considered.

About Jordan, Chris said: “He’s a killer, probably the greatest scorer of all time.” He then talked about how Jordan moved on the court during his days with the Chicago Bulls: “MJ had the triangle offense they mastered, and he was always looking to penetrate the defense, be agressive. He’s gonna get his 30 points.”

Bosh changes his mind on the GOAT debate

Two years after those interviews, Chris Bosh spoke with House of Bounce and, when asked about the GOAT debate, he was blunt: “There is no greatest of all time.” He then elaborated: “The one thing I want people to do is take Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, LeBron, Kobe (Bryant) -and I might be missing a couple- but put them over.”

Of those legends, Bosh asserted that they have a different status than the rest of basketball players. “They’re on their own island,” he said. “Don’t even talk about them. Let everybody else sort it out. In my opinion is a futile argument.”

Bosh’s favorite player growing up

In that same interview with House of Bounce, Bosh was asked about his favorite player growing up. “Kevin Garnett. Growing up, yeah,” he answered without hesitation. “He was long, skinny and tall, like me. And he was the first person I saw that really resonated with me putting the ball on the floor.”

Chris explained the impact the Boston Celtics icon had on him. “He kind of broke the stereotype that bigs shouldn’t dribble and shoot the outside shot and be playmakers and stuff like that,” the Heat legend said. “He just had an intensity that I really connected to as a kid, so once I saw that, I started mimicking his moves and pretty much made them my own.”

Chris Bosh’s successful career

Chris Bosh played for 13 years in the NBA and left an indelible mark. After being selected by the Toronto Raptors with the 4th pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, he stayed with the Canadian team for seven years. During that time, he established himself as a key player on the Raptors and earned his first All-Star Game selections, something he would repeat eleven times in a row during his career.

Despite his personal brilliance, averaging 24.0 points in the 2009-10 season, Bosh was not followed by the Raptors and was only able to make an impact in the league when he left for Miami that summer. Chris became a key part of the Heat’s Big Three, alongside LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

In his first four seasons in Miami, Bosh reached four Finals, becoming a champion in two of them. However, after that golden era, things became increasingly difficult for him. Physical problems prevented him from playing regularly in the following years, and continued issues with blood clotting ultimately led to his definitive retirement, something he announced in 2019.

In recognition of his invaluable contribution to the franchise, the Miami Heat retired Bosh’s No. 1 jersey. In 2021, the power forward was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Speaking on The Draymond Green Show, Hardaway, who once worked as a scout for the Heat, shared that he urged team president Pat Riley to select Green with the 27th overall pick. He believed Green’s gritty playstyle and defensive prowess perfectly aligned with Miami’s culture and identity.

“We could have won three in a row. I’m talking about LeBron, D-Wade, and Chris Bosh,” Hardaway said confidently. “I felt comfortable with you [Green] coming in and doing what you’re supposed to do because you were the type of Heat player we needed.”

Miami’s draft gamble backfires

Instead, the Heat selected Arnett Moultrie, a pick that was soon traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. Moultrie’s NBA career never materialized, playing only 59 games over two seasons with the Sixers and averaging 3.6 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. Hardaway is convinced Miami‘s fortunes could have been much different had they listened to his advice.

Draymond Green’s championship rise in Golden State

Green‘s journey with the Golden State Warriors embodies resilience and championship pedigree. Selected 35th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft, Green initially faced skepticism about his role in the league. However, his relentless work ethic and versatility quickly earned him a crucial role in Golden State’s rotation. His defensive prowess, playmaking, and leadership made him an indispensable part of the Warriors’ championship core.

Under Steve Kerr’s guidance, Green helped the Warriors win three NBA championships (2015, 2017, and 2018). His chemistry with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, combined with his defensive dominance, solidified Golden State as a dynasty. Green was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2017, cementing his place among the league’s elite defenders.

Even as injuries and roster changes challenged the Warriors in recent years, Green’s leadership remained pivotal in their 2022 championship resurgence. Off the court, his voice continues to be a respected presence, offering sharp insights on the game and advocating for players’ rights—a testament to his evolution as both a player and a leader.

“It hurt me that we couldn’t keep that team together,” Pat shared during a conversation with former Miami players Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller on The OGs Show podcast. The Heat president expressed regret over what he considers a missed opportunity for the franchise.

Riley then spoke about the immense potential of the Big Three. “I think it was a five- or six-championship team, I really do,” he said. “If we could have kept them all together and stayed healthy from that standpoint.”

The end of the Big Three era

The Heat’s run of dominance ended after the 2013-14 season, when LeBron James opted out of his contract and returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers in free agency. His departure marked the conclusion of the Big Three era and left Miami to regroup around Wade and Bosh.

Chris Bosh’s health issues

Even without LeBron, the Heat retained significant potential with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. However, their hopes were soon dashed when Bosh was sidelined by a blood clot in his lungs during the 2014-15 season.

Despite his efforts to return, Bosh’s health issues persisted, ultimately forcing his departure from the team in 2017. Two years later, he officially retired from basketball, coinciding with the Heat retiring his No. 1 jersey in recognition of his contributions to the franchise.

Dwyane Wade’s fractured relationship with Miami

Widely regarded as the greatest player in Heat history, Dwyane Wade also faced challenges with the franchise. After receiving what he described as a heartbreaking treatment, Wade left Miami in 2016 to join the Chicago Bulls, later reuniting with LeBron in Cleveland. Eventually, Wade returned to the Heat to finish his career, ending on a high note with the team that defined his legacy.

The Heat’s pursuit of new glory

The Big Three era set a high standard for the Miami Heat, and the franchise has spent the past decade chasing similar success. While they have come close—reaching the NBA Finals in 2020 and 2023—Miami has yet to reclaim the championship glory of their golden years. Today, the memories of the Big Three are a source of pride and nostalgia for Heat fans, as the franchise continues to strive for another era of dominance.

The Heat failed to get the trophy in the first season with their Big Three, suffering an unexpected loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 NBA Finals. However, they bounced back with consecutive rings in 2012 and 2013.

LeBron went on to succeed in Cleveland and Los Angeles, but those two victories with the Heat will always be special. Though Wade and Bosh played a pivotal role in his first titles, Gilbert Arenas believes Udonis Haslem deserves credit for The King’s success in Miami.

Gilbert Arenas says LeBron won in Miami because of Udonis Haslem

“The two championships LeBron got there, you got to credit him for it because he’s the one that took the pay cut to make it happen,” Gilbert Arenas said on his podcast. “UD was offered $33 million to go to Milwaukee, turned that down, and signed whatever was left. He protected his stars. You foul Dwyane Wade, you hit LeBron, you hit anybody on this team, I’m coming.“

When did LeBron James leave the Heat?

LeBron James left the Miami Heat in the summer of 2014, shortly after losing the NBA Finals to the San Antonio Spurs.

That offseason, The King decided to go back to the Cleveland Cavaliers, aiming to help the franchise that drafted him first overall in 2003 win its first ever NBA championship.

How many seasons did Udonis Haslem spend in Miami?

Udonis Haslem spent 20 NBA seasons with the Miami Heat from 2003 to 2023.

UD40 was part of the franchise’s three NBA championships (2006, 2012, and 2013), spending his last six seasons in South Florida on minimum contracts.

His lack of championships is without any doubt the only possible stain in his otherwise impressive career. In 19 years, Anthony made 10 All-Star appearances, won a scoring title and collected three Olympic gold medals.

Melo has played for eight different teams, but couldn’t go the distance with any of them. When looking back in time, Anthony seems to regret not listening to Dwyane Wade about signing a shorter deal with the Nuggets in 2006.

Carmelo Anthony regrets not testing free agency with Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh

(Via Chris Herring of Sports Illustrated)

“There were moments in his career that easily could have flipped the script. During the summer of 2006, while he was training with fellow Team USA players and draft class members LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, Anthony chose to sign a five-year, $80 million maximum extension with the Nuggets, a choice that ran counter to the shorter, three-year deals those players were signing so they could later all test free agency simultaneously. ‘My memory of that is that I called Mel like right as he was sitting down to sign his deal,’ Wade says, ‘and by then, it was too late.’

“Anthony remembers it similarly, and says he now wishes he’d considered the upside of agreeing to a shorter deal at the time. ‘The only regret I’ve got there is not being intelligent enough about the business of the game,’ he says. ‘I got that call from [Dwyane] saying, ‘Take the three-year deal; we’re all doing that,’ and I’m like, ‘Do you know where I’m from, man?’ Like, I’m happy, bro. I’m cool with Denver.’”

As everyone knows, James, Wade, and Bosh joined forces in the summer of 2010 to become the faces of a star-studded Miami Heat. The Big Three went on to make the NBA Finals four times, winning two championships.

If not, just ask Udonis Haslem, who has built a long-lasting career in his hometown teamMiami Heat with hard work, commitment, and loyalty. The 41-year-old forward seemed destined to write history in South Florida.

Haslem is entering his 19th season in the National Basketball Association, using his experience to lead in the locker room and guide the youngsters. And it’s been a fantastic road so far, having been part of all three titles the franchise has won.

Udonis Haslem talks about his part in the LeBron, Wade, Bosh Heat ‘Big 3’ era

Throughout his nearly 20 years in Miami, Haslem has seen countless players come and go, building a special relationship with many of them. And he has shared the locker room with the biggest names in the league.

But the fact that he was part of the three championship-winning teams says a lot. He’s been there in the franchise’s best moments, including the ‘Heatles‘ era when LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh set up the mightiest trio in the NBA. And in an extensive, worth-reading interview with GQ‘s Tyler R. Tynes, Haslem talked about his importance for that team that won two rings.

[Transcript via GQ]

“S–, I was almost outta here — they ain’t have no money left. I was about gone. They wasn’t saving enough for me. They just wanted the big boys. They wasn’t thinking about me, the only one who was was [Wade]. He understood my importance to this city and franchise and thank God he did because it paid off. I don’t care what nobody say, I had my moments and we don’t win none of those rings without me. I did my job and that’s all you can do: Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. I had some critical moments where I had to step in and hold down the fort. Thank God [Wade] stood up and said, ‘we need this mother—–.’Because sometimes people get caught up in dollar signs and what makes “cents’ doesn’t always make sense.

“You can surround guys who drive the bus, who sit on the bus, but if you ain’t got somebody who can change the tires and the oil, your bus ain’t moving. You need a guy like me: who will do the dirty work, take that charge, do the things that won’t show up on the statsheet but it equals winning. [Wade] understood that, LeBron understood that, [Bosh] understood that. If they didn’t, it’s no way those guys take less money and cut off a piece of their pie for me to stay. They didn’t know me. They didn’t have to do that. But they understood what I brought to the table and I was able to deliver.”

Well, UD just spoke facts there. This is a teamgame, and winning championships is rarely a one-man task. It takes many people to build a title-contending side, and as Haslem said, every role plays an extremely important part in the final result. If it wasn’t that way, he wouldn’t have built a 19-year career with the Miami Heat.

Besides their talent and impact on the court, those players also inspire the rest when they’re behind closed doors. Their work ethic, determination, and obsession to improve their craft make them so great.

That was in full display during the Olympics back in 2008, when Kobe Bryant gave the best players on Earth a lesson and showed them just how much of a hard worker he was, according to Hall of Famer Chris Bosh.

Chris Bosh Tells The Most Kobe Bryant Story Ever During Hall Of Fame Speech

(Transcript via Fadeaway World)

“It was 2008, the Redeem Team was formed. We were in Vegas for the start of training camp and we’re getting ready for the Olympics in Beijing. I wanted to establish myself as a young leader on the team by waking up bright and early [on] day one. So the goal was to be the first one at breakfast. I set my alarm, I make sure I’m up by sunrise, I get out of bed, I put on my gear and I head downstairs…but when I get there, Kobe is already there with ice packs on his knees, drenched in sweat.”

“It took me a minute to figure it out, but this guy was not only awake before me, he had already worked out. He had just played in the Finals days earlier, meanwhile I’ve been off for months and I was still exhausted. What he did that day was incomprehensible to me…that dedication he had only days after falling short of an NBA championship, that taught me something I have never forgotten: legends aren’t defined by their successes, they are defined by how they bounce back from their failures.”

That’s just classic Kobe right there. Not only did he want to be the best player on Earth but also, he wanted to send a message and let everybody know that he work the hardest. Oh, Kobe, how do we miss you, man.

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But one of the few players whose name has alwaysbeen mentioned as a top-5 pick is James Wiseman. The big man had to drop out of the University of Memphis after a suspension and his draft stock took a major hit, but he was the consensus best prospect in the nation before the NCAA Season.

Wiseman is an athletic freak with the physical tools to become a dominant rim-protector, and even thoughthere are concerns regarding his fit in a modern-day offense, his former coach Penny Hardaway believes that he’ll be a superstar.

Penny Hardaway Compares James Wiseman To Chris Bosh

In fact, the Orlando Magic legend went as far as to compare him with Chris Bosh, which was an odd comparison considering that Bosh was a reliable three-point shooter, while Wiseman rarely steps away from the restricted area:

“Parts of his game remind me of Chris Bosh. I know that’s a stretch for a lot of people. But when I see him, the way he’s been able to work his way out to the 3-point line, there are similarities to Bosh. But he’s way more athletic,” Hardaway said, as quoted by TalkBasket.net

Penny Hardaway Encourages Golden State Warriors To Draft James Wiseman

Moreover, Hardaway didn’t hesitate to sale the Golden State Warriors into taking James Wiseman with the 2nd overall pick, claiming that he’d be a perfect fit for their system because of his rim-running abilities:

“He can easily keep up with the game and the pace. He’s very athletic, very fast. He’d instantly be one of the better rim runners in the league. He’s also a rim protector; he is going to protect the rim. His skill set is good enough now, and it’s going to get better, especially because he’d be playing with veterans like Draymond (Green), Klay (Thompson), and Steph (Curry),” Penny concluded.

No one knows for sure what the Warriors are going to do with their pick. They could trade it away for a bonafide star or take a risk on a prospect, but there’s no denying that Wiseman offers an intriguing upside.

Joe Biden tookvery different stances on issues relating to race, police brutality, the environment, and CODVID-19 thanPresident Donald Trump. It has been through many of these issues that sports stars cameout publicly to support him in his bid to become President of the United States.

Endorsements from public figures like Lebron James or Steve Kerr may have swayed the election in Biden’s favor since sports stars and celebrities have such a powerful hold on American culture. Let’s take a look at 20 athletes whopublicly came out in favor of the President of the United States Joe Biden.

Steve Kerr – NBA Coach

Kerr has been very critical of Donald Trump’s Presidency; he even has gone as far as participating in a virtual phone bank to help raise awareness for voter turnout in Arizona. In said awareness campaign, he encouraged the voters to place their votes for Biden.

Robbie Rogers – Former MLS Player

Rogers was the first MLS player to ever come out as openly Gay, Rogers turned up at a Biden virtual rally for LGBTQ Supporters, in said rally,Biden renewed his commitment to support the LGBTQ community if he is elected over Trump.

Billie Jean King – Former Tennis Player

King came out in support of Biden on Twitter stating, “The change I dream of celebrating is an America where we can live & love authentically, & where every marginalized community is ensured equality,”. She received the 2009 Medal of Freedom from then U.S. President Barack Obama.

Carey Hart – Former Professional Freestyle Motocross

Hart came out in support of Biden after his wife Pink was criticized for wearing a Biden – Harris shirt on social media. Hart defended his wife with the following statement: “I’ll try to keep this short; Yes Biden has been in politics for 47 years. Reason I am voting for him is because I ‘hope’ he puts together a great team that will do positive things. And that is what most of Trump’s high-profile early [supporters were] planning for him to do. But his narcissism kicked in and away he went.”

Adam Rippon – Figure Skater

Rippon took to Twitter to show his support for Biden, in his Tweet he states: The America that the RNC is threatening will happen with a president Biden is CURRENTLY HAPPENING UNDER TRUMP!!! I can’t wait to vote. #BidenHarris

Mick Foley – Former WWE Star

The former wrestler turned best selling author told People Magazine he was voting for Biden because “I do think this is a matter between right and wrong. I think that democracy’s at stake… I know the country’s very divided and I have a pretty diverse following. But as things progressed in this administration, I just felt like we were going down a really bad and dangerous path. I just wanted to have some public record for my own children and grandchildren to point to decades down the road to show that their father, or their grandfather, at least tried to do something.”

Megan Rapinoe – US Women’s Soccer Player

The USWNT star offered to be Biden’s running mate in May 2020, so she is very much in the Biden camp. Rapinoe has been a huge critic of Donald Trump’s presidency and has not been afraid to express it, she once told the Guardian that the USWNT is “everything Trump loves – except that we’re powerful women’, as a jab at the President, who she has stated is sexist and misogynistic.

Brandon Lloyd – Former NFL Player

Lloyd has posted various pro-Biden Tweets on twitter in the last few months, he is clearly a supporter of the former Vice- President and is trying to sway key states like Colorado in favor of Biden. He attended a Biden pre-debate party prior to the first presidential debate.

Magic Johnson – Former NBA Player

The former NBA superstar Magic Johnson endorsed Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris in August. He posted on Twitter “Cookie and I are very happy with Presidential candidate Joe Biden’s decision to select Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate. We have happily supported Kamala throughout her career over the years!”

Chris Paul – NBA Player

Chris Paul recently stated that almost 90% of all NBA players are registered to vote and given the NBA’s criticism of Trump it looks like all those votes will be going Biden’s way. Paul has had various online discussions with Biden.Paul told CNN recently, “This president, he demonizes athletes, calls them SOBs and that sort of thing,” Lemon said. “He uses it as a political tool, but what do you say to his supporters who disagree with the protests in sports?”

Elena Delle Donne – WNBA Player

Delle Donne and Biden have golfed together and when Delle Donne went down with an injury Biden Tweeted well wishes. They have both chatted a few times and Delle Donne is outspoken about Sports Inclusion.

Garry Kasparov – Chess Champion

Kasparov has been outspoken about President Trump, he once tweeted regarding Biden and Trump: Biden is good here, and compared to Trump’s self-serving blather he sounds like a combination of Churchill and FDR. And it’s not “Trump bashing” to point out that his incompetent egoism is costing lives.

Doc Rivers – NBA Coach

Joe Biden actually quoted Doc Rivers in one of his speeches, in the wake of Jacob Blake, Rivers, who when Kamala Harris was named Biden’s running mate said, “It’s just beautiful… Very cool to see them on the stage. We’ve had our first Black president in President Obama and now we have a chance to have not only a Black vice president, but a woman as well.”

Stan Van Gundy – NBA Coach

The New Orleans Pelicanscoach took to Twitter to lend his support to Biden stating: I support Joe Biden. But when has our country been dedicated to equality, liberty and human dignity? During slavery? Jim Crow? Unpunished lynchings? Mass incarceration? Great to promote your ideals, but let’s not propagate a myth. Let’s be honest about who we are and have been.

Martina Navratilova – Former Tennis Player

The former legendary Woman’s Tennis player took to Twitter to show her support for the former Vice- President: I am with Joe Biden all the way- let’s get this country back to where it was before the orange man started destroying it!!!

Chris Bosh – Former NBA Player

The former NBA star celebrated with applause on Instagram when Joe Biden named Kamala Harris as his running mate. Bosh has been one of many former and current NBA players who have supported the Biden- Harris ticket, especially since the NBA seems to be public enemy number one for Donald Trump.

Phill Drobnick – American curler

Drobnick has been showing his support for Biden on social media where he tweeted in September: I really enjoyed listening to Amy Klobuchar and Richard Trumka tonight on the MN for Joe Biden zoom call. Joe will stand with the working class to ensure we have a better quality of life! Thanks to all who participated. #TeamJoe #BidenForMN #VoteBlue2020

Mike Holmgren – Former NFL Coach

The former Green Bay Packers coach recently stated that President Donald Trump failed to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, since the Packers are publicly owned he stated, “The people own the football team, and yet the stadium’s going to be empty… It didn’t have to be this bad, I don’t think.” In the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Michelle Kwan – Former Figure Skater

The two-time Olympic medalist Michelle Kwan joined Joe Biden’s presidential campaign team; she took on the role of surrogate director. She is a devout Democrat as she worked in a similar capacity for Hillary Clinton’s campaign in the last election.

LeBron James – NBA Player

Maybe no other athlete has been more vocal of President Trump than Lebron James. James has been adamant about issues of Black Lives Matter and other policies of the president. James spoke to ViceTV recently and pledge his support to Biden and stated, “We are at a time where we need change. In order for change to occur it’s all about leadership, and leadership starts at the top.“

However, one of the strongest arguments – both in favor and against – of James’ legacy has been his teammates. Some argue he’s carried bad teams to the Finals, some claim he can’t win without help.Actually, both arguments could be true at the same time. James has been in the league fora long timeand has had his fair share of All-Star teammates and bottom-of-the-bench kind of guys as well.

That’s why today, we’re going to put together the ultimate ranking of his top 40 greatest teammates, and you’ll be the judge after reading these paragraphs.Note: All stats are from their time being teammates with LeBron and the ranking will be based on their contributions to his career and impact on the court.

40. Russell Westbrook

Stats:16.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 6.9 APG,46 W, 51 L
Accolades:1 MVP, 9All-Star Games, 2NBA All-Star Game MVP, 2 All-NBA, 1 NBA All-Rookie, 2scoring champion, 3assists leader

To say Russell Westbrook’s stint at the Lakers was a complete failure is an understatement. Los Angeles made an aggressive trade with the Wizards hoping to land a third star to help LeBron and Anthony Davis, but Brodie was a shell of himself with the Purple and Gold.

It didn’t take long for Westbrook to become the subject of critics and mockery, as he left a lot to be desired practically every time he took the court. Eventually, the Lakers accepted their mistake by sending him to Utah as part of a three-team trade.

39. James Jones

Stats: 3.6 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 0.3 APG, 297 W, 104 L
Accolades: 3 NBA championships

James Jones surely won’t be among LeBron James’ most skilled teammates but he should be his favorite. They shared the court for 7 of his 14 seasons in the league and he carried him around even despite his limited contributions on the court.

Jones was little more than a three-point specialist and rarely saw any playing time at all before garbage time. Still, his 40% career three-point shooting was heavily valued by the King from 2010 to 2017.

38. Jeff McInnis

Stats: 12.5 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 5.8 APG, 57 W, 47 L
Accolades: None

Jeff McInnis’ career had a lot of ups and downs. He bounced around the league, tried his luck overseas in China, came back, and even shared the court with LeBron James, on what may arguably be the most successful passage of his career.

McInnis instantly became a starter for the Cavaliers and his ball-handling, playmaking, and three-point shooting were perfectly suited for their offense. However, he left the team as a free agent after just two seasons and his career took a major downfall ever since.

37. Lonzo Ball

Stats: 8.9 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.7 APG, 20 W, 14 L
Accolades: All-Rookie

There was a lot of hype surrounding Lonzo Ball out of UCLA, as he was viewed as the second coming of Jason Kidd and the savior of the Los Angeles Lakers. However, off-court issues with his father, struggles with his shot, and never-ending injuries condemned his stint with the purple and gold.

Ball is already an elite defender and passer so he’s still in line for quite a successful career in the NBA. Nevertheless, he’s the kind of player that needs the ball on his hands to thrive so he’s not much of a good fit next to LeBron James.

36. Kyle Korver

Stats: 8.9 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.0 APG, 85 W, 59 L
Accolades: 1 All-Star Game

Kyle Korver is one of the greatest shooters of all time. Moreover, he put a lot of work on his game to stop being a defensive liability and became a pivotal part of some of the most dominating teams in the Eastern Conference of the last decade.

Korver joined the Cavs to pursue an NBA championship and hit several big shots during his brief stint with the King but they eventually traded him.

35. Daniel Gibson

Stats: 7.0 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 1.5 APG, 195 W, 91 L
Accolades: None

It took him some time but Daniel Gibson eventually found his way to the starting lineup thanks to his 41% shooting from beyond the arc. He became an important part of a team that eventually made it to the Finals, where they were swept by the San Antonio Spurs.

Eric Snow took Gibson under his wing and put a lot of work on his craft as a defender to become a 3-and-D specialist. Still, the team’s struggles during the post-LeBron Jamesera and a lack of offers forced him to retire after just 6 seasons.

34. Eric Snow

Stats: 4.0 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 3.7 APG, 163 W, 121 L
Accolades: All-Defensive

Most young fans don’t remember him now but Eric Snow was an outstanding and versatile defender. He even made 127 consecutive starts for the Cleveland Cavaliers and had occasional scoring outbursts as the team’s X-Factor.

However, he joined the Cavaliers towards the final passage of his career so he eventually lost a lot of ground until he was forced to retire due to arthritis. He was one of the team’s captains and went on to serve as an assistant coach until the end of the year.

33. Derrick Rose

Stats: 9.8 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 1.6 APG, 9 W, 7 L
Accolades: MVP, All-NBA, 3 All-Stars, All-Rookie, Rookie of the Year

Derrick Rose was LeBron James’ biggest threat in the Eastern Conference before injuries derailed his career. He was ready to take the throne and LeBron James always had nothing but respect for his game. Truth to be told, he was the most electrifying point guard in the league by a long stretch.

James even reached out to him in 2010 to team up after the Cavs lost in the 2nd round of the playoffs, but that didn’t happen until 2017. Needless to say, that version of Rose was far from his MVP level and the Cavaliers traded him away midseason after just 16 games (7 starts).

32. Brandon Ingram

Stats: 17.7 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.4 19 W, 15 L
Accolades: 1 All-Star Game, All-Rookie

There was a lot of hype when LeBron James signed with the Los Angeles Lakers and rightfully so, as everybody hoped his mentorship was going to finally bring the best out of promising – yet raw prospect Brandon Ingram. Sadly for him, they traded him after just one season together.

Ingram and the Lakers were en route to the playoffs before James’ suffered a groin injury that sidelined for a third of the season. He then was diagnosed with a career-risking condition but was able to overcome it.

31. Carlos Boozer

Stats: 15.3 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 1.9 APG, 32 W, 40 L
Accolades: All-NBA, 2 All-Star Games, All-Rookie

Carlos Boozer spent the two first seasons of his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers and was only teammates with LeBron during his rookie year, becoming the second-leading scorer on the team to James’ 20.9 points per game.

It looked like the Cavs had something pretty good going on with James, Boozer, Jeff McInnis, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, but Boozer left after just one season together, signing a six-year 70 million dollar contract with the Utah Jazz. They could’ve been a menace in the post together.

30. Antawn Jamison

Stats: 15.1 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.4 APG, 22 W, 9 L
Accolades: 2 All-Star Games, All-Rookie, Sixth Man of the Year

Antawn Jamison was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers midseason in 2010 so he didn’t spend much time with James before he left for the Miami Heat. Still, his impact was quite felt on both ends of the court.

It didn’t take long for Jamison to establish his presence as a scorer both at the small forward and power forward spot. His rebounding and shooting were quite welcome but he was still far from his prime.

29. Delonte West

Stats: 10.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 3.5 APG, 130 W, 51 L
Accolades: None

Delonte West’s story is heartbreaking. He came from a rough environment but worked his way into the league, and his efforts in the defensive end, efficient three-point shooting, and clutch scoring – especially in the playoffs granted him a spot in the Cavaliers’ starting rotation.

West was a solid two-way combo guard who was the perfect complement for Mo Williams. However, off-court issues, including an alleged story with James’ mother, substance abuse, and struggles with bipolar disorder, derailed an otherwise promising career in the NBA.

28. Rajon Rondo

Stats: 7.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.1 APG, 60 W, 31 L
Accolades:2 NBA championships, All-NBA, 4 All-Defensive, 4 All-Star Games, All-Rookie, Steals leader, 3-times Assists leader

Rajon Rondo embodied the Boston Celtics that despised LeBron James during the second half of the 2010s. However, he then buried the hatched and joined forces with the King in the Los Angeles Lakers, building a great relationship with him on and off the court.

Rondo was nowhere near the suffocating defender and top-notch playmaker he was in his prime and he hadbeen better coming off the bench while James’ run the point with the first unit, but hestill came through in clutch times for the purple and gold.

27. Mario Chalmers

Stats: 8.6 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 3.4 APG, 261 W, 97 L
Accolades: 2 NBA championships, All-Rookie

Mario Chalmers was the Miami Heat’s starting point guard during LeBron James’ tenure at South Beach. However, it seems like the King wasn’t exactly fond of his decision-making and even advocated for them to draft Shabazz Napier.

Even so, Chalmers was all the team could ask for from a guy on his role. He mostly played off the ball with James and Wade running the offense and was a decent three-point shooter that could guard multiple spots.

26. Rashard Lewis

Stats: 4.3 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 0.6 APG, 102 W, 34 L
Accolades: NBA champion, 2 All-Star Games

Rashard Lewis was a problem in his prime. He could flat-out hoop and score in bunches, as he had the handles of a shooting guard in the body of a power-forward. Nonetheless, like many other players on this list, he was far from his prime when he joined LeBron.

He wasn’t needed to score at a high pace like earlier on his career but still, Lewis brought his A-Game in the defensive end when the Heat needed a stop, especially in the playoffs, even starting for them in the ECF vs. the Indiana Pacers.

25. Sasha Pavlovic

Stats: 5.8 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 1.0 APG, 205 W, 102 L
Accolades: None

Aleksandar ‘Sasha’ Pavlovic was a streaky shooter who made most of his contributions coming off the bench during the first couple of years of his career with the Cavaliers. However, he worked his way into the rotation and became a regular starter in the playoff later on.

Pavlovic spent 5 seasons with the King. His bigger trait was his three-point shooting, which perfectly suited LeBron James’ playing style. Following his trade from Cleveland, he played for the Timberwolves, Mavericks, Pelicans (Hornets), Celtics, and Blazers.

24. Drew Gooden

Stats: 11.7 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.1 APG, 181 W, 129 L
Accolades: All-Rookie

The Cleveland Cavaliers were looking to build for the future and traded for Drew Gooden to pair him up with LeBron James. While Gooden didn’t end up playing up to the standards of a top-5 pick, he was extremely productive for them, especially in the defensive end.

Gooden was a solid rebounder on both ends of the court. He was also a good pick-and-roll scorer when James was running the offense but lacked the range of modern power-forwards. Still, he was a nightly double-double threat during his time with the King.

23. Dwight Howard

Stats: 7.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 0.6 APG, 61 W, 19 L
Accolades: NBA Champion,8 All-NBA, 5 All-Defensive, 8 All-Star Games, All-Rookie, 2-times Blocks leader, 5-times Rebounds leader, 3-times Defensive Player of the Year

Dwight Howard completed his redemption story by helping the Los Angeles Lakers win their first NBA Championship in 10 years after leaving the team on bad terms after just one season at the Staples Center.

Howard wasn’tin his prime anymore but he playedhis heart off in the defensive end. He reported to the team in the best shape of his career and itpaid off, as he became the first guy off Frank Vogel’s bench and even started some games in the 2020 playoffs.

22. Danny Green

Stats: 8.9PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.6 APG, 78 W, 21 L
Accolades: 3 NBA championships, All-Defensive

Danny Green has worked his heart off to get in the NBA. He went from spending most of his time in the G-League to becoming one of the best 3-and-D players in the league and a pivotal part of championship-contending teams.

Green didn’t spend much time on the court next to James during his rookie season, as the Cavaliers waived him after just 20 games. Now, his defense played a huge part in helping the Lakers win their 17th NBA Championship, even though he got a lot of criticism for missing a potential game-winner in Game 5 of the Finals.

21. Alex Caruso

Stats: 5.7 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 1.8 APG, 47 W, 19 L
Accolades: NBA Champion

Well, Alex Caruso has made a name for himself for looking like everything but an NBA player. He became a meme for his looks but turned into a fan favorite because of his never-ending hustle in the defensive end and his impressively explosive dunks.

Caruso became one of the biggest fan favorites for the Lakers for his great defense and playmaking. He made huge plays down the stretch in the playoffs and the 2020 NBA Finals and proved that he belongs in the NBA.

20. Mike Miller

Stats: 3.9 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 0.9 APG, 169 W, 66 L
Accolades: 2 NBA championships, All-Rookie, Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year

Mike Miller was an unusual contributor for the Miami Heat. He often stepped up when things got hard or started in place for an injured player. Still, he did knock some huge three-pointers to help them on their championship runs for four seasons.

Miller was asked to do one thing and one thing only: spread the floor with his sweet shooting stroke from beyond the arc. He was far from his prime when he teamed up with the King but established a great relationship with him, even following him to the Cavaliers in 2015.

19. Norris Cole

Stats: 5.6 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 2.1 APG, 198 W, 74 L
Accolades: 2 NBA championships

Norris Cole is the kind of hustler whose impact goes far beyond numbers. He was a terrific backcourt defender, average playmaker, and solid three-point shooter that had a feel for hitting great shots for the Miami Heat. He would get physical regardless of his lack of size.

In fact, coach Erik Spoelstra often trusted him to close out games over Mario Chalmers because of his instincts for picking up his rival’s pockets with his active hands. Also, he started their 2012 comeback vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder with back-to-back three-pointers.

18. Timofey Mozgov

Stats: 7.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 0.6 APG, 108 W, 36 L
Accolades: NBA champion

The 2015-16 Cleveland Cavaliers had it all to succeed and get back at the Golden State Warriors. Well, all but one thing: an old-fashioned, heavy-footed, defensive-minded 7-footer, so they traded for Timofey Mozgov.

Mozgov was – in the words of LeBron James – the first ‘True Big’ he had played with since Zydrunas Ilgauskas and his physical presence below the rim forced Andrew Bogut out of the hardwood. He became the first Russian player to play in a Finals game.

17. Matthew Dellavedova

Stats: 5.9 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 3.4 APG, 122 W, 42 L
Accolades: NBA champion

Matthew Dellavedova is the kind of player all coaches would kill to have on their team. He’s a fierce dog that will suffocate opposing guards all over the court, as well as an above-the-average playmaker and three-point shooter.

Dellavedova’s role as a backup point guard in their 2015-16 championship run was huge, especially when it came to shadowing Stephen Curry from baseline to baseline in the NBA Finals. He’ll get dirty, put his body on the line, and get inside your head, but he’ll get the stop.

16. Kyle Kuzma

Stats: 14.5 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.7 APG, 86 W, 42 L
Accolades: NBA Champion,All-Rookie

Kyle Kuzma must have impressed LeBron James a lot during his first year with the Los Angeles Lakers because he was the lone survivor of their rebuilding process. In fact, the Lakers rathered give up on various first-round picks just to keep Kuzma on the team.

Kuzma regressed a bit with Anthony Davis on the team and sometimes it feltlike they could’ve used that spot on another guard instead. Still, he was one of the main reasons why they were able to win the NBA Championship in 2020.

15. Shane Battier

Stats: 5.1 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 0.9 APG, 186 W, 71 L
Accolades: 2 NBA championships, 2 All-Defensive, All-Rookie

Shane Battier was never the most athletic guy or the flashiest scorer but he was a master at two things: taking charges and stopping players on the wing. Also, he was a proficient and impressively effective three-point shooter.

Battier was the ultimate stopper for the Miami Heat. He was the team’s leader in three-pointers made, three-point percentage, and finished second in charges drawn during their last championship run, and also hit some huge shots in clutch time.

14. Chris Andersen

Stats: 5.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 0.3 APG, 117 W, 36 L
Accolades: NBA champion

Chris Andersen was a much-needed energy boost for LeBron James and the Miami Heat during their 2012-13 championship run, as they lacked a true big man that could match up with guys like Roy Hibbert, Amar’e Stoudemire, and Joakim Noah below the rim.

Andersen never ran out of gas. He was a hustler and an entertainer and his energy were just contagious. His impact went far beyond the stat-sheet and his presence in the paint was quite disruptive for opposing players due to his ability to swat shots and make the most of his 84-inch wingspan.

13. Tristan Thompson

Stats: 7.6 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 0.7 APG, 236 W, 111 L
Accolades: NBA champion, All-Rookie

It’s pretty fair to state that Tristan Thompson hasn’t lived up to the expectations that come with being a 4th overall pick. That being said, he did play a huge role in their 2015-16 championship run, as his offensive rebounding gave them a significant edge vs. the small-ball Golden State Warriors.

Thompson has a lot to thank LeBron for. He pretty much got him a 5-year 82-million contract after putting a good word on him with the team’s management. It didn’t go according to plan, but that’s another story.

12. Udonis Haslem

Stats: 4.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 0.5 APG, 184 W, 74 L
Accolades: 3 NBA championships, All-Rookie

Udonis Haslem has spent his entirecareer with the Miami Heat and even though he’s numbers are quite underwhelming, his veteran presence and vocal leadership played a huge part in their last championship runs.

Haslem’s physical defense, screens, and rebounding made it easier for everybody around him. He also mentored and picked the brains of most of his teammates, James included. His stats won’t take him to the Hall of Fame, but he’s earned his spot on this list.

11. J.R. Smith

Stats: 10.1 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 1.6 APG, 223 W, 100 L
Accolades: 2NBA championships, Sixth Man of the Year

J.R. Smith knew that playing with LeBron James was his last shot at redemption following a career full of controversies and off-the-court shenanigans. Regardless of what some people may think, he matured a lot over his tenure with the Cavaliers and finally put basketball first on his list of priorities.

Smith’s three-point shooting and backcourt defense were substantial in the Cavs’ 3 straight trips to the NBA Finals, although he’ll always be remembered for his blatant mistake in 2017 vs. the Golden State Warriors when he dribbled out the clock thinking the game score was tied. Ouch. He did win another ring with The King in 2020 but he barely played with the Lakers.

10. Mo Williams

Stats: 14.4 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 4.0 APG, 168 W, 54 L
Accolades: NBA champion, 1 All-Star Game

Mo Williams was a pivotal figure in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2008-09 season. He averaged almost 18 points per game to help them get a 66-16 record, including 39-2 in their own turf, the Quicken Loans Arena.

Williams was an All-Star that season but the Cavs lost to the Orlando Magic in the playoffs. Next season, it was the Celtics who beat them in the second round. After bouncing around the league for a couple of years, Williams eventually came back to join James and the Cavs for their 2015-16 championship run, although with a lesser role (8.2 points per game on 18.2 minutes a night).

9. Anderson Varejao

Stats: 6.7 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 0.8 APG, 327 W, 171 L
Accolades: All-Defensive

Anderson Varejao was a solid presence on both sides of the glass. He spent 8 seasons giving LeBron James second-chance opportunities, putting-back misses, and setting – mobile and often dirty – screens for him.

Varejao kind of broke out as a scorer once James left the team and was often hurt, but his contributions in the defensive end can’t be unnoticed. Notably, James defended him for his reputation as a flopper, claiming he was just ‘taking physical charges’. That’s a good one.

8. Ray Allen

Stats: 10.0 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 1.7 APG, 133 W, 52 L
Accolades: 2 NBA championships, 2 All-NBA, 10 All-Star Games, All-Rookie, Hall of Famer

Ray Allen went from hero to villain pretty quickly. He was a part of the Boston Celtics’ Big 3 that went toe-to-toe with LeBron James for years, won a ring with them, and then left town to join their biggest rival at the time: the Miami Heat.

Allen’s three-point shooting was one of the keys of the Heat’s 2nd championship run. He opened up the court for James and Wade’s drives with his presence on the perimeter, and his savvy presence as a veteran paid off in crunch time. In fact, James was a Ray Allen three-pointer away from losing the 2013 Finals vs. the Spurs, but Jesus Shuttlesworth hit one of the most clutch shots in NBA history.

7. Shaquille O’Neal

Stats: 11.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 46 W, 18 L
Accolades: 4 NBA championships, MVP, 3 Finals MVPs, 14 All-NBA, 3 All-Defensive, 15 All-Star Games, 3 All-Star MVPs, All-Rookie, Rookie of the Year, 2-time Scoring champion, Hall of Famer

Well, Shaquille O’Nealwas far from his prime when he joined LeBron and the Cavs in 2009. He was already 37 years old and a 4-time NBA champion, so obviously he didn’t have the same drive, energy, and impact on the court that he was used to having throughout the first passage of his career.

However, Shaq was still playing some pretty impressive defense before hurting his thumb and missing the final five weeks of the season. He came back in time for the playoffs but the Celtics eventually beat them in the 2nd round. They could’ve faced Kobe Bryant and the Lakers in the Finals to fulfill Shaq’s motto for the season, which was: ‘Win a ring for the King’.

6. Zydrunas Ilgauskas

Stats: 12.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 402 W, 239 L
Accolades: 2 All-Star Games, All-Rookie

Zydrunas Ilgauskas holds the record for most seasons (tied with 8) and games played with LeBron James (641). He was the ultimate teammate on and off the court and the chemistry between the two in the pick-and-roll was notable throughout the 8 seasons they played together.

They were so close that Ilgauskas followed The King to Miami for the final year of his career and LeBron even attended his jersey retirement ceremony mid-season despite playing the next day with the Heat. According to James, he was ‘the first pure big man’ he ever played with but sadly, they never won a ring together.

5. Kevin Love

Stats: 16.7 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, 219 W, 96 L
Accolades: NBA champion, 2 All-NBA, 5 All-Stars, All-Rookie, Most Improved Player, Rebounds leader

Kevin Love was a star during his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, like most stars in that franchise’s history, he failed to find success in the playoffs. So, after six years with the Timberwolves, he packed his bags thanks to the three-team trade that made him LeBron James’ new Chris Bosh.

Love didn’t need to be a volume scorer anymore and he embraced his role perfectly with the Cavs. There were some reports about some miscues between him and the rest of the team but he always brought his A-Game on the court, helping the King deliver a Larry O’Brien trophy to ‘The Land’ with his rebounding and three-point shooting.

4. Chris Bosh

Stats: 16.7 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.5 APG, 257 W, 99 L
Accolades: 2 NBA championships, 1 All-NBA, 11 All-Star Games, All-Rookie

Chris Bosh was one of the best two-way players in the league during his time in Toronto. He joined the Heat and took two steps back to adjust his game to Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, doing all the little things in both ends of the court to help their winning cause.

Bosh doesn’t get enough credit for his impact on that Heat team, but he always delivered when they needed him the most. In fact, he out hustled Tim Duncan for an offensive rebound that became Ray Allen’s historical three-pointer. There would be no Big 3 without Chris Bosh.

3. Kyrie Irving

Stats: 22.5 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 5.1 APG, 171 W, 64 L
Accolades: NBA champion, 2 All-NBA, 6 All-Star Games, All-Star MVP, All-Rookie, Rookie of the Year

Kyrie Irving was the hope of the Cleveland Cavaliers once LeBron James left town. However, he failed to lead the team’s rebuilding until the King came back in 2014 when they made their first trip to the NBA Finals.

Irving and James didn’t always get along but it was clear that LeBron needed him and his instant offensive spark to beat the Golden State Warriors. He knocked down one of the most clutch and iconic shots in NBA Finals history and helped the Cavs become the first team to come back from a 3-1 deficit at that stage, winning their first – and only – championship ever.

2. Anthony Davis

Stats:24.3 PPG,9.5 RPG,3.1 APG, 89 W, 48 L
Accolades: NBA Champion, 8 All-NBA, 4 All-Defensive, 8All-Star Games, All-Star MVP, All-Rookie, 3-times Blocks leader

LeBron James and Anthony Davis haveclearly built astrong rapport and a solid relationship on and off the court, and if someone ever doubted their abilities to compete at the highest level, they definitely silenced their critics by leading the Lakers to their 17th NBA Championship.

It only took them one season to dominate the league from start to finish and their playoff run in the bubble in Orlando will go down as one of the greatest of all time. Moreover, James embraced a different role next to Davis, who became the first teammate to ever outscore him for a full season.

1. Dwyane Wade

Stats: 20.5 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 4.5 AST, 258 W, 113 L
Accolades: 3 NBA championships, 1 Finals MVP, 8 All-NBA, 3 All-Defensive, 13 All-Star Games, All-Star MVP, All-Rookie, Scoring champion

Dwyane Wade isn’t only the greatest LeBron James’ teammate ever but also the missing piece he craved for so long to win his first NBA championship. He embraced a slightly lesser role to make room for James but it definitely paid off, as they made it to 4 straight NBA Finals, winning two of them.

Wade was the ultimate two-way shooting guard. He could get a stop, alter shots, and be a one-man fast-break. He spent 4 and a half seasons next to James (half of it with the Cleveland Cavaliers) and put together a Hall of Fame-kind of resume, as well as one of the most dominant one-two punches in NBA history thanks to their chemistry on and off the court.