Chris Bosh, Forward (2004-16)
Teams: Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat
Career best stat line: 24 points, 10.8 rebounds, 52% FG, 36% 3PT (2009-10)
Constantly ridiculed by the media and fans during the big three era, Bosh was one of the primary reasons why the Miami Heat’s defense was so elite during their championship runs: Spoelstra’s defensive scheme centered on blitzing the pick-and-roll, and Bosh’s lateral quickness enabled the defensive play to consistently succeed; Bosh being able to move his feet well enough to trap the ball handler allowed LeBron and Wade to play the passing lanes and become dangerous in transition.
On the other hand, on the offensive end, Bosh was asked to become a floor spacer for Wade and LeBron and didn’t get as many touches as he did in Toronto. Had Bosh been the typical slow-footed big and had too big of an ego to be a limited third option, the Heat likely wouldn’t have had as much success on both ends.
Jerry Stackhouse, Forward (1996-2013)
Teams: Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Wizards, Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat
Career best stat line: 29.8 points, 5.1 assists (2000-01)
Being the best scorer on multiple bad teams isn’t going to lead to much recognition but following his stints with the Sixers, Pistons, and Wizards, Stackhouse was traded to the Mavs in the summer of 2004. Although he was older and not the same scorer he once was, he still played a huge factor on several of the Mavs’ 50 plus win seasons.