8 Basketball Players who Played for Rockets 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 Houston Rockets 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 Rockets and the Heat.
P.J. Tucker
After being drafted by the Toronto Raptors in the second round of the 2006 NBA Draft, P.J. Tucker had a brief stint in the league before refining his skills overseas. He returned to the NBA in 2012, signing with the Phoenix Suns.
Tucker gained prominence during his five seasons with the Suns due to his gritty defense and ability to stretch the floor. However, it was his time with the Houston Rockets where he really made a mark, establishing himself as one of the league’s top “3-and-D” specialists.
Tucker has bounced around to multiple teams in recent years providing solid play on the court and veteran leadership, including the 2021 Championship Bucks team.
Shane Battier
Shane Battier had a successful 13-year career in the NBA as a versatile and smart forward. He was drafted 6th overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Vancouver Grizzlies (who soon became the Memphis Grizzlies).
Battier made a name for himself with his strong defensive play and ability to hit three-point shots. He spent the first part of his career with the Grizzlies before being traded to the Houston Rockets in 2006.
His time with the Miami Heat, where he played from 2011 to 2014, marked some of his career’s highest points. Battier played a crucial role in helping the Heat, led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, win NBA Championships in 2012 and 2013.
Goran Dragic
Goran Dragić was selected as the 45th overall pick in the second round of the 2008 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs, but he was subsequently traded to the Phoenix Suns.
Over his career, Dragić has played for several teams, including the Suns, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, and Toronto Raptors. He was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2014 and earned an All-Star selection in 2018.
Dragić has career averages (to date) of 13.3 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game. His crafty playmaking, scoring ability, and leadership on the court have been key factors in his success as an NBA player. He played an instrumental role in helping the Miami Heat reach the NBA Finals in 2020.
Dragic Key Stats
- All-Star (Heat)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Heat)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Rockets, Suns, Heat)
Joe Johnson
Joe Johnson, also known as “Iso Joe,” is remembered in the NBA for his scoring prowess and clutch performances. After being selected 10th overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, Johnson went on to play for several teams, including the Suns, Hawks, Nets, Heat, and Jazz.
He made his biggest impact during his time with the Hawks (2005-2012), where he was named an All-Star in six consecutive seasons. Known for his ability to create his own shot, Johnson earned a reputation as one of the game’s premier isolation players.
He scored over 20,000 points in his NBA career, underscoring his longevity and scoring ability.
Johnson Key Stats
- All-Star (Hawks, Nets)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Hawks)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Hawks)
Kyle Lowry
Kyle Lowry was selected 24th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2006 NBA Draft. The point guard later found significant success with the Toronto Raptors, with whom he spent the majority of his career.
Lowry is a six-time NBA All-Star (2015–2020) and was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2016. His biggest career highlight came in 2019 when he helped lead the Raptors to their first-ever NBA Championship, defeating the Golden State Warriors in the Finals.
In terms of statistics, Lowry has averaged about 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists per game over his career. He is particularly known for his three-point shooting, leadership on the court, and gritty defensive play.
Lowry Key Stats
- All-NBA (Raptors)
- All-Star (Raptors)
- NBA Championship (Raptors)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Raptors)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Rockets, Raptors, Heat)
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.
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)
Jim Jackson
Jim Jackson entered the NBA when he was selected 4th overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1992 NBA Draft.
In Dallas, he quickly showcased his scoring prowess, becoming one of the young pillars of the team alongside Jason Kidd and Jamal Mashburn. However, despite the promise, the trio was short-lived due to various factors, including injuries and internal dynamics.
What followed for Jackson was a journeyman’s career, as he played for 12 different NBA teams, which included stints with the 76ers, Warriors, Trail Blazers, and Rockets, among others. Despite the frequent relocations, Jackson consistently proved his worth on the court, often providing a scoring punch and veteran presence.
Jackson Key Stats
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Mavericks)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Nets, Warriors)
