Miami Heat's greatest starting 5 of the 21st century

Small Forward - Jimmy Butler

Though Jimmy Butler has played only one NBA season with the Miami Heat, his historic run in the 2020 NBA Playoffs helped him find a spot in this lineup.

After Jimmy Butler's 40 PTS, 11 REB, 13 AST in the @MiamiHEAT Game 3 W, look back at his best plays in Orlando thus far! #HEATTwitter pic.twitter.com/vrbFtGqD8a
— NBA (@NBA) October 5, 2020

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Butler was the best player for the Miami Heat during the team's run in the 2020 NBA Playoffs, which ended with a six-game loss in the NBA Finals against the favored LeBron James-Anthony Davis LA Lakers.

In his first season with the Miami Heat, Butler averaged 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists per game in the regular season. He led the team in points per game, assists per game, and steals per game in the regular season.

Then, Butler led the team again in the playoffs, both offensively and with clutch defense. In the 2020 NBA Finals, he had two historic games - Games 3 and 5. He recorded the third 40-point triple-double in NBA Finals history (joining Jerry West and LeBron James) in Game 3.

Power Forward - Chris Bosh

Chris Bosh was a franchise player for the Toronto Raptors before constructing the Miami Heat's big three in 2010 with The King and Wade.

Bosh was an essential member of the Heat's best run in franchise history. He played in four consecutive NBA Finals from 2011 to 2014 and won two championships with the franchise. CB played six seasons at Miami, averaging 18 points and 7 rebounds per game (384 appearances in the regular season).

In the NBA Playoffs, Bosh grabbed a season-saving offensive rebound in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals and assisted Ray Allen's historic game-tying three-pointer to keep the Heat (down 3-2 at that point) in the running to repeat as NBA champions.

Center - Shaquille O'Neal

O'Neal finished second in the 2005 MVP race while playing for the Heat.

The Miami Heat's history probably was completely changed by Shaquille O'Neal arriving from the LA Lakers in 2004.

Tonight in Miami, the @MiamiHEAT will raise @SHAQ's #32 to the rafters! pic.twitter.com/mlsdOpWoB0
— NBA (@NBA) December 22, 2016

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His impact off the court was unique, as always, and his presence on the basketball court changed the Miami Heat's entire view around the league.

In his first season with the Miami Heat, Shaq averaged 23 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks per game in the regular season. The team found their way to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1997 (and the second time in franchise history).

The following year, O'Neal and D-Wade combined their efforts to push the team into the NBA Finals. After falling in a 0-2 hole in the championship series, the Miami Heat won four straight games to overcome the Dallas Mavericks and win their first title.

O'Neal played three and a half seasons at Miami, averaging 20 points and nine rebounds per game on 60% shooting.

Also read: 5 Players linked with the Miami Heat who can help them go all the way in the 2020-21 season