5 Basketball Players who Played for Thunder 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 Oklahoma City Thunder 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 Thunder and the Heat.
Ray Allen
Ray Allen was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves as the fifth overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, he was immediately traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. In Milwaukee, Allen emerged as one of the league’s premier shooting guards, making multiple All-Star appearances.
In 2007, Allen was traded to the Boston Celtics, teaming up with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to form a “Big Three” that won the NBA Championship in 2008. Allen’s clutch shooting was a major factor in the Celtics’ success during this era.
In 2012, Allen joined the Miami Heat where he continued to play a vital role as a sharpshooter, including a memorable game-tying three-pointer in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals, a series the Heat would ultimately win. This marked Allen’s second NBA Championship.
Allen Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Bucks, Celtics, Supersonics, Heat)
- All-NBA (Bucks, Supersonics)
- All-Star (Bucks, Supersonics, Celtics)
- NBA Championship (Celtics, Heat)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Bucks, Supersonics)
Gary Payton
Gary Payton, often known as “The Glove” for his defensive prowess, is widely recognized as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Payton was selected second overall in the 1990 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics.
Payton spent the majority of his career with the SuperSonics, where he was a nine-time NBA All-Star and a nine-time All-NBA selection. He was known for his defensive skills, earning NBA Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1996 and being selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team nine times.
Payton was also great on the offensive end of the court, especially his scoring ability and his ability to create plays. He accumulated over 21,000 points and almost 9000 assists during his career. He won his only NBA Championship with the Miami Heat in 2006. Payton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.
Payton Key Stats
- Hall of Fame (Supersonics, Heat, Lakers, Celtics, Bucks)
- All-NBA (Supersonics)
- All-Star (Supersonics)
- NBA Championship (Heat)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Supersonics)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Supersonics, Lakers, Celtics)
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.
Rashard Lewis
Rashard Lewis was a player known for his scoring ability and his ability to stretch the floor as a big man, a trait that has become increasingly valued in the modern NBA. He was selected straight out of high school by the Seattle SuperSonics with the 32nd pick of the 1998 NBA Draft.
Lewis, who primarily played as a small forward and power forward, had a successful career in the NBA spanning 16 seasons. His biggest impact was during his tenure with the SuperSonics and then later with the Orlando Magic. Lewis was a two-time NBA All-Star, first in 2005 with the SuperSonics and then in 2009 with the Magic.
One of his career highlights was playing a pivotal role in the Magic’s run to the NBA Finals in 2009, showcasing his ability as a scorer and his effectiveness from beyond the three-point line. He also won an NBA championship with the Miami Heat in 2013, although his role was reduced at that stage of his career.
Lewis Key Stats
- All-Star (Supersonics, Magic)
- NBA Championship (Heat)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Supersonics)
Caron Butler
Playing college basketball at the University of Connecticut, Caron Butler quickly gained recognition as a top talent, leading the Huskies deep into the NCAA Tournament. Butler was selected 10th overall by the Miami Heat in the 2002 NBA Draft.
Throughout his career, he played for several teams, including the Lakers, Wizards, Mavericks, and Clippers, among others. During his time with the Wizards, he formed a formidable trio alongside Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison, with Butler earning two NBA All-Star selections in 2007 and 2008.
Butler’s resilience was evident throughout his career, having overcome significant challenges and adversity in his early life. Beyond his playing days, he has been a positive figure in the community, leveraging his platform to address social issues and mentor younger players.
Butler Key Stats
- All-Star (Wizards)
- NBA Champ (Mavericks)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Wizards)
