The Miami Heat were supposed to be the next NBA dynasty. They made it to four Finals in four years but only won a couple of them. That’s why some – Paul Pierce – may think they underachieved considering the superteam they put together.
- Joel Anthony – San Lorenzo
- Rashard Lewis – Retired
- James Jones – General Manager at Phoenix Suns
- Udonis Haslem – Miami Heat
- Norris Cole – ASVEL
- Chris Andersen – Big 3
- Mike Miller – Assistant Coach
- Shane Battier – Retired
- Mario Chalmers – AEK Athens
- Ray Allen – Retired
- Chris Bosh – Retired
- Dwyane Wade – Retired
- LeBron James – Los Angeles Lakers
It seems like it was yesterday when they beat the San Antonio Spurs in the 2012-13 NBA Finals, putting together one of the most impressive comebacks in NBA history in game 6 and then putting the icing on top of the cake in game 7.
But, even though it happened just seven years ago, just a couple of their players are still in the league. So, what happened with those guys? What are they up to nowadays? Let’s walk you through the whereabouts of your 2012-13 NBA Champions Miami Heat.
Joel Anthony – San Lorenzo
Joel Anthony barely touched the hardwood during their Championship run. He was a bit of an old-school, heavy-footed, defensive-minded big man that only came in on certain situations, but he was a well-respected voice in the team’s locker room.
The ‘Doc’ bounced around the league for a couple of years and played for the Celtics, Pistons, and Spurs before trying his luck overseas. Nowadays, he’s playing a huge role as San Lorenzo’s defensive anchor, being one of the best foreign players in Argentinean basketball.
Rashard Lewis – Retired
Back in the day, Rashard Lewis was a problem. But when he joined the Miami Heat for the final passage of his career, he was more of a defensive specialist whose work went far beyond the stat sheet. He had a great run in the playoffs but barely played in that Final series.
Lewis retired with the Heat in 2014. He then joined the Big 3 to play under Gary Payton and next to Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, Kwame Brown, and Jason Williams. He won the MVP for the 2017 season and hasn’t played competitive basketball ever since.
James Jones – General Manager at Phoenix Suns
James Jones is one of LeBron James’ favorite teammates of all time. Notably, he should thank the King for most of his accolades from his playing days. Jones was a three-point specialist and little more and he played a grand total of 12 minutes in the Finals.
Jones then followed James to the Cleveland Cavaliers and won another Championship with him before retiring in 2017. He’s now working as the Phoenix Suns’ General Manager and has done a terrific job improving almost every spot on the roster, although the Cam Johnson pick was questionable, to say the least.
Udonis Haslem – Miami Heat
Udonis Haslem is the heart and soul of the Miami Heat. He may not be much of a contributor on the court, at least, at this point in his career, but he’s by far the most-respected player to ever set foot in the organization’s locker room. That’s why they keep him there.
Haslem has acknowledged his desire to retire but added that the coaches, executives, and even players still want him to come back for another year. His veteran leadership and strong voice have help molded hundreds of NBA players, including their young core.
Norris Cole – ASVEL
Norris Cole was a hustler. He was never going to back down from a challenge and would get in the face of every single player he had to guard. That often got him in trouble, but he was willing to do everything it took to help the Heat win the Championship.
Cole and his solid backcourt defense bounced around the league for a little while, joining the Oklahoma City Thunder and later the New Orleans Pelicans. He also played in China and Europe and is now playing for ASVEL of France’s LNB Pro.
Chris Andersen – Big 3
Chris Andersen was known for being a bit of a troublemaker before he joined the Miami Heat. Erik Spoelstra and Pat Riley tamed him and he ended up playing a huge part in their team’s success. He was the ultimate hustler on both sides of the hardwood.
Andersen’s rim running and rim-protection were elite in the playoffs. That’s why LeBron took him with him to the Cavaliers afterward. He’s now the BIG 3’s defending champion, playing next to DeShawn Stevenson and Quentin Richardson for Power.
Mike Miller – Assistant Coach
Just like Rashard Lewis, Mike Miller was far from his prime when he joined the Miami Heat. Still, his experience came in handy when they were in need of a clutch bucket, and his ability to heat up from beyond the arc was a huge plus for them.
Miller then had brief one-year stints with the Memphis Grizzlies, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Denver Nuggets before retiring from the NBA at the end of 2016-17 season. He’s now an assistant coach to Penny Hardaway and the Memphis Tigers of the NCAA.
Shane Battier – Retired
Shane Battier was one of the most respected players in the Heat’s locker room during his tenure at South Beach. He was a master at drawing charges and one of the best lockdown defenders in the wing. Also, his three-point shooting always came in handy for them.
Battier retired from the NBA following the Heat’s loss in the 2013-14 Finals. He reportedly considered running for Senate but eventually turned down the proposal, and is currently focused on his business ventures, including D1 Sports Training in Memphis.
Mario Chalmers – AEK Athens
Mario Chalmers was the Heat’s starting point guard during the Big 3 era. Nevertheless, his game took a major bump towards the end of the 2013 season and he was never able to bounce back to his former level, which allegedly exasperated LeBron James.
Chalmers joined the Memphis Grizzlies in 2015 but failed to have a starring role with Mike Conley in town. He then took his talents overseas to Virtus Bologna (Italy) and is currently AEK Athens’ starting point guard in Greece’s first-tier competition.
Ray Allen – Retired
Ray Allen drew a lot of criticism from jumping ships and joining the Miami Heat after playing for the Boston Celtics. Thus, he always played with a chip on his shoulder. That kind of mentality helped them overcome adversities over and over, especially in the playoffs.
Allen hit one of the biggest shots in NBA history, a game-tying three-pointer in Game 6 to fire an overtime comeback that eventually led to the Heat’s championship. He retired in 2014 and reportedly considered making a comeback a couple of times, but eventually decided to stay at home.
Chris Bosh – Retired
Chris Bosh was snubbed of the Hall of Fame this year. I said it over and over and I’ll say it again. He’s got a Hall-of-Fame worthy resume but just like during his time with the Heat, it seems like everybody just overlooks him and takes him for granted.
Bosh’s contributions to the Heat’s two rings were countless, including the offensive board that led to Ray Allen’s three. He stood put at Miami after Wade and James left but was forced to retire due to blood clots in his lungs. Hopefully, he’ll be a Hall of Famer sooner rather than later.
Dwyane Wade – Retired
Dwyane Wade is the greatest player in Miami Heat history and it’s not even close. He was one of the main characters on every single Championship they’ve won, and was mature enough to take a backseat to LeBron James for the sake of the organization.
Wade had a bit of a rift with Pat Riley and left the team for an infamous tenure with the Chicago Bulls. He later joined LeBron James and the Cavaliers but asked to be traded back home to the Heat, where he retired as the ultimate leader of the franchise.
LeBron James – Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James isn’t human. There’s no explanation as to why he’s still playing at the highest level 7 (seven) years after winning an NBA championship and the Finals MVP. Honestly, he’s the same player he’s been, the same dominant, smart, athletic offensive juggernaut.
James left the Miami Heat after their loss in the 2014 Finals. He led the Cleveland Cavaliers to 4 straight trips to the Finals, winning one of them against the 73-9 Golden State Warriors. Now, he’s trying to carry Kobe Bryant’s torch and take the Lakers back to the Finals.
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