The Miami HEAT came into the NBA for the 1988-89 season as part of a two-phase league expansion that also included the Orlando Magic, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Charlotte Hornets. After spending its first few years in the cellar, the franchise began to make progress thanks to a series of shrewd draft selections. Although the HEAT failed to achieve a winning season during their first five campaigns, the team stayed close to the break-even point and made it into the playoffs faster than any of its expansion peers.
Introduction
1988-89: Victory Hard to Come By
1989-90: A Productive Draft, But An Unproductive Season
1990-91: Loughery Brings Thick Resume To Miami
1991-92: Miami Makes Playoffs, But Can The HEAT Beat Michael?
1992-93: Rice Cooks
1993-94: Best Season Yet For HEAT
1994-95: HEAT Cooled Off By Franchise Overhaul
1995-96: Riley, HEAT Return to Playoffs
1996-97: HEAT Rises to Verge of Title
1997-98: HEAT Turns 10; Continues to Win
1998-99: Mourning Glorious, But End is Bitter
1999-2000: A New Millennium Begins In A New Arena
2000-01: HEAT Shines Even In Dark Hours
2001-02: HEAT Fights For Position
2002-03: Caron Butler Makes an Impression
2003-04: Dwyane Wade Leads The HEAT Back To The Playoffs
2004-05: Mixing Diesel with HEAT
