9 Basketball Players who Played for Suns 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 Phoenix Suns 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 Suns and the Heat.
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal, also known as “Shaq,” was one of the most dominant centers in NBA history. His career spanned from 1992 to 2011, featuring stints with several teams including the Magic, Lakers, Heat, Suns, Cavaliers, and Celtics.
His career achievements include four NBA Championships (three with the Lakers and one with the Heat), three NBA Finals MVP awards, a regular-season MVP award in 2000, and 15 All-Star game appearances. O’Neal’s career totals include 28,596 points, 13,099 rebounds, and 2732 blocks.
He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. Beyond his playing career, O’Neal has also had a successful run as a sports analyst, businessman, and even a DJ.
*O’Neal was previously the most popular pick for this square (Grid 1)
O’Neal Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Lakers, Magic, Heat, Suns, Cavaliers, Celtics)
- MVP (Lakers)
- All-Star (Magic, Lakers, Heat, Suns)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Magic, Lakers, Heat)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Magic, Lakers, Heat)
Shawn Marion
Shawn Marion, nicknamed “The Matrix”, was drafted 9th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 1999 NBA Draft. He quickly became a key player for the Suns, known for his ability to fill up the stat sheet with points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
Marion was a four-time NBA All-Star and was considered one of the most versatile players in the league, capable of playing and defending multiple positions effectively. His career includes stops with the Heat, Raptors, and Cavaliers, but he is perhaps best remembered for his time with the Mavericks, where he won an NBA Championship in 2011.
For his career, Marion scored 17,700 points, grabbed 10,101 rebounds, and racked up 1759 steals, which demonstrates his ability to contribute across various facets of the game.
Marion Key Stats
- All-NBA (Suns)
- All-Star (Suns)
- NBA Championship (Mavericks)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Suns)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Suns)
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)
Amar’e Stoudemire
Amar’e Stoudemire was selected 9th overall in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Suns, and he made an immediate impact, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award. Standing 6’10”, Stoudemire was known for his athleticism, scoring ability, and explosive dunks.
With the Suns, he was part of a high-octane offense run by point guard Steve Nash. During his time there, he was named an NBA All-Star six times and helped lead the Suns to the Western Conference Finals in 2005 and 2010.
In 2010, Stoudemire signed with the New York Knicks, where he continued his All-Star performances. However, unfortunately, his time with the Knicks was marred by persistent injuries.
Stoudemire Key Stats
- All-NBA (Suns, Knicks)
- All-Star (Suns, Knicks)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Suns, Knicks)
Jae Crowder
Jae Crowder is an NBA player known for his toughness and versatility. He was drafted 34th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2012 NBA Draft, but was immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks where he spent the first part of his career.
Crowder has been something of an NBA journeyman, playing for several teams including the Celtics, Cavaliers, Jazz, Grizzlies, Heat, Suns and Bucks. Despite changing teams frequently, Crowder has consistently been valued for his ‘3-and-D skills’ (three-point shooting and defense), as well as his ability to play both forward positions.
He has played crucial roles in deep playoff runs for several teams, including the Miami Heat in 2020, where he helped the team reach the NBA Finals, and the Phoenix Suns in 2021, also reaching the NBA Finals.
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)
Jermaine O’Neal
Jermaine O’Neal is most recognized for his time with the Indiana Pacers. A versatile center and power forward, O’Neal’s career spanned 18 seasons from 1996 to 2014, during which he played for multiple teams, including the Trail Blazers, Heat, Celtics, Suns, and Warriors.
Selected directly out of high school by the Trail Blazers in the 1996 NBA Draft, O’Neal spent his initial seasons in a limited role. However, upon being traded to the Pacers, he flourished and became a key player, earning six All-Star selections and being named the NBA’s Most Improved Player for the 2001-02 season.
O’Neal’s prime years in Indiana were marked by consistent scoring and rebounding, as well as a robust defensive presence that earned him multiple All-NBA nods. Despite the individual accolades, team success eluded O’Neal, as the Pacers made several playoff appearances but never reached the NBA Finals during his tenure.
O’Neal Key Stats
- All NBA (Pacers)
- All-Star (Pacers)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Pacers)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Pacers)
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)
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.
