7 Basketball Players who Played for Wizards 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 Washington Wizards 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 Wizards and the Heat.
Mike Miller
Mike Miller was a player known for his shooting ability, particularly beyond the arc. He was selected as the 5th overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, and his standout performances during his rookie season earned him the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
In 2003, he joined the Memphis Grizzlies, where he was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year for the 2005-2006 season. Miller’s career then took him to the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Washington Wizards, but it was his tenure with the Miami Heat that brought him significant recognition.
Joining the Heat in 2010, Miller played a key role in the team’s back-to-back NBA Championships in 2012 and 2013. He made a significant contribution in Game 5 of the 2012 NBA Finals, when he made 7 of 8 three-point attempts, helping the Heat secure the championship.
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)
Jerry Stackhouse
Over his 18-season NBA career, Jerry Stackhouse played for teams including the 76ers, Pistons, and Mavericks. At the University of North Carolina, Stackhouse earned All-American honors and entered the 1995 NBA Draft, where he was selected third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Stackhouse’s best years came with the Detroit Pistons, where he was twice named an NBA All-Star and led the league in total points in the 2000-01 season. His scoring prowess and competitiveness were hallmarks of his playing career.
After retiring from playing, Stackhouse transitioned into coaching. He served as an assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors and was the head coach of the Raptors’ G-League team, Raptors 905, leading them to a championship in 2017.
Stackhouse Key Stats
- All-Star (Pistons)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (76ers, Pistons, Wizards)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Pistons)
Christian Laettner
Christian Laettner led the Blue Devils to two NCAA Championships in 1991 and 1992, and he is still widely remembered for “The Shot”, his game-winning turnaround jumper in the 1992 East Regional final against Kentucky. This moment is one of the most iconic in college basketball history.
Laettner was also the only college player selected for the original “Dream Team” at the 1992 Summer Olympics, which won the gold medal.
In the NBA, Laettner played 13 seasons in the league with several teams, including the Timberwolves, Hawks, Pistons, Mavericks, and Wizards. His most successful NBA season came in 1996-1997 with the Hawks when he averaged 18.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, earning him his sole NBA All-Star selection.
Mike Bibby
Mike Bibby was drafted second overall in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Vancouver Grizzlies and he quickly made a name for himself as a rookie, averaging 13.2 points and 6.5 assists per game.
His career took off when he was traded to the Sacramento Kings in 2001. He played a pivotal role in the Kings’ deep playoff runs in the early 2000s, known for his clutch performances. During his seven seasons with the Kings, he averaged 17.6 points and 5.4 assists, becoming one of the premier point guards in the league.
Bibby’s career also included stints with the Hawks, Wizards, Heat, and Knicks. He averaged 14.7 points, 5.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game over his 14-year NBA career. Known for his quickness, shooting ability, and leadership, Bibby made a lasting impact on the teams he played for.
Bibby Key Stats
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Kings)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Grizzlies, Kings, Hawks)
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)
