6 Basketball Players who Played for Pelicans and Heat
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the New Orleans Pelicans and Miami Heat.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Pelicans and the Heat.
Norris Cole
Norris Cole was selected 28th overall in the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, but his rights were traded to the Miami Heat on draft night. Joining the Heat during an era defined by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, Cole played a crucial support role as a backup point guard.
The early years of Cole’s career were marked by significant success, as he was a part of the Miami Heat teams that won back-to-back NBA Championships in 2012 and 2013. His defensive intensity and timely scoring were assets during these championship runs.
After his time with the Heat, Cole had brief stints with other NBA teams, including the New Orleans Pelicans and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Post-NBA, he continued his professional basketball journey in various international leagues.
*Cole was previously the most popular pick for this square (Grid 21)
Jamal Mashburn
Jamal Mashburn had a productive 12-year career from 1993 to 2004. Drafted 4th overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1993 NBA Draft, Mashburn quickly showed his potential, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
After a trade to the Heat, Mashburn continued to thrive as a scoring threat, averaging 15.8 points per game over his tenure with the team. In 2000, Mashburn was traded to the Charlotte Hornets (now New Orleans Pelicans), where he had some of his best years.
He earned his first and only All-Star selection in 2003 with the Hornets, averaging a career-high 21.6 points per game. In his career, Mashburn scored over 11,000 points and averaged 19.1 points per game.
Mashburn Key Stats
- All-NBA (Hornets)
- All-Star (Hornets)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Mavericks, Hornets)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Hornets)
P.J. Brown
P.J. Brown, a tenacious power forward and center, enjoyed a prominent NBA career, known for his defensive tenacity and leadership.
After being drafted 29th overall by the New Jersey Nets in 1992, Brown truly shone during his tenure with the Miami Heat in the late ’90s. His reputation as a physical defender grew, setting him apart as a key contributor during playoff runs.
After stints with the Heat and Charlotte Hornets, Brown played pivotal roles with the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics. Arguably, his career highlight was with the Celtics in 2008, when his veteran presence and defense helped the team secure an NBA Championship.
Chris Andersen
Chris Andersen, commonly known as “Birdman,” debuted in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets in 2001. With his athletic ability, particularly as a shot-blocker and rebounder, Andersen quickly carved out a role for himself. His high-flying dunks and blocks energized both teammates and fans.
However, Andersen faced challenges off the court. In 2006, he was dismissed from the NBA for two years for violating the league’s drug policy. Demonstrating resilience, Andersen used this period to rehabilitate and eventually made a successful return to the NBA with the New Orleans Hornets in 2008.
Perhaps the most memorable stint of his career was with the Miami Heat. Joining the team in 2013, Andersen played a pivotal role off the bench during the Heat’s championship run, helping them secure the NBA title that year.
Mike James
Mike James began his NBA career undrafted, but he managed to break into the league in 2001 with the Miami Heat. From there, he embarked on a journey that saw him play for numerous teams, including the Celtics, Pistons, Bucks, Rockets, Raptors, Timberwolves, New Orleans Hornets, Wizards, and Bulls.
Perhaps the highlight of his NBA tenure came during the 2005-2006 season with the Toronto Raptors, where he averaged a career-high in points and showcased his ability to lead a team as a primary guard. His NBA journey was marked by his adaptability, allowing him to fit into various roles, from starting point guard to a bench contributor.
In addition to his NBA career, James had spells in international basketball, playing in France, Turkey, and Italy, which further underscored his dedication and adaptability to different styles of play and cultures.
James Key Stats
- NBA Championship (Pistons)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Raptors)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Raptors)
James Posey
Selected 18th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1999 NBA Draft, James Posey’s journey in the league spanned a decade, playing for multiple teams and earning a reputation as a reliable “3-and-D” player before the term became widely popular.
The highlight of Posey’s career came during his stints with the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics. In Miami, he played a pivotal role in the Heat’s 2006 championship run alongside stars like Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal.
As a key reserve for Boston, Posey provided crucial defensive stops and timely three-point shooting, helping the Celtics secure the 2008 NBA Championship. His ability to contribute significantly to two different championship teams attests to his value as a player who could impact games without necessarily being in the spotlight.
