2) LeBron James

Having LeBron James in Miami was the quintessential description of a mutual benefit.

LeBron coming to Miami was the example of a player who needed to get make sure everyone understood that he was the most dominant basketball product this franchise has ever exported to the world. That version of LeBron was basically a custom-built cheat code with Pat Riley’s fingerprints on it and Erik Spoelstra’s stress level attached.

Easily the best version of LeBron. From the shooting aspect, to the defense, and his offense, this version of James was “complete”.

His Miami run is shorter than Wade’s, but it’s pure concentrated power. Two championships. Two Finals MVPs. And not the “oh we got hot” kind either. The “we’re systematically removing your hope” kind.

Also, Miami LeBron wasn’t just winning. He was rewriting what “best player alive” looked like on a nightly basis. That run turned the Heat from a franchise into a global villain brand, the kind where every arena booed like rent was due. And if we’re being honest, Miami wore that villain cape beautifully.

*With Miami, James was a 4x All-Star, 2x-All NBA, 2x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 3x All-Defense, 2x Champion