NBA Draft: Every team’s best pick ever

Jun 10, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) speaks to the media during a press conference after game four of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Warriors won 108-97. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

12 of 31

SAN ANTONIO, TX – JUNE 14: Dwyane Wade /

Miami Heat: Dwyane Wade, No. 5, 2003 NBA Draft

Another player from the 2003 draft, Wade was selected fifth overall by the Miami Heat. The former Marquette guard quickly gained his sea legs, and averaged 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists during his first season. Wade quickly became the leader of a young team on the rise. Then the roster was flipped towards veteran experience when the Heat traded for Shaquille O’Neal, and the two players lead the franchise to a championship their second season together in 2006. After some lean years, Wade helped bring the team back to dominance by recruiting LeBron James and Chris Bosh to Miami and then teaming with them for four NBA Finals appearances and two more championships.

Wade has been a mainstay in the All-Star game throughout his career, helping lead the Heat to the playoffs 11 times since he was drafted, including this past season. His physical skills are fading with time and accumulated injuries, but he can still get out there and compete with the best players in the game when he’s healthy. Wade is still the face of the franchise today, a surefire Hall-of-Famer, and arguably the greatest Heat player in the team’s history.

Next: Atlanta Hawks

Home/NBA