The Big Three era of the Miami Heat introduced a championship culture with elevated standards.
When the Miami Heat combined Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and LeBron James, they altered the NBA landscape in the summer of 2010.
Three superstars from different teams came together for the first time to form a superteam. The Heat won two championships while the Big Three, as they were known, guided them to four consecutive Finals appearances.
Here are the five main figures from the decade:
Goran Dragic, point guard, 2015-21
Dragic stayed with the Heat for the most of his professional career. Dragic was a proficient and elite scorer, averaging 16.2 points on 46% field goal shooting. 2018 saw his first All-Star appearance in his solo career. He was essential to Miami’s run to the 2020 Finals, but he tragically suffered an injury against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Dwyane Wade, shooting guard, 2003-16, 2018-19
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LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined the Heat after being recruited by Wade, the most decorated player in the history of the team. Wade was a two-way player who contributed both high-caliber offense and reliable defense.
LeBron James, small forward, 2010-14
James was crowned Most Valuable Player and Finals MVP twice (in 2012 and 2013), and many consider his stint in Miami to be the pinnacle of his professional career. The King increased the bar for South Florida basketball and started the Michael Jordan as the best player of all-time comparisons.
Chris Bosh, power forward, 2010-17
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Despite frequently being neglected in favor of James and Wade, Bosh was still a crucial member of the Big Three as a reliable scorer and rebounder. Bosh ranked in the top 10 of the franchise in blocks, field goals, and rebounds with an average of 18 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.
Hassan Whiteside, center, 2014-18
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After spending five years moving between international clubs, Whiteside established himself in Miami as a shot blocker and rebounder. He had a 14.1 point, 11.9 point, and 2.4 block average. Whiteside was a defensive stalwart who had at least 10 blocks and four triple-doubles. He is second all-time in blocks made per game for the team behind Alonzo Mourning.