Miami Heat(Mandatory Credit: Christopher Trotman/GettyImages)

Time flies by when you’re having fun! And the Miami Heat, at different points, have had plenty of fun throughout the first 25 years of the 21st century.

Since the start of the 2000-01 season, Miami is both No. 5 in total wins (1,124) and win percentage (.551), capturing three NBA championships and seven Eastern Conference Titles. Not to mention, several of the franchise’s greats — including Dwyane Wade, the greatest player in franchise history — suited up for the Heat during the 21st century.

But where do a few of the Heat’s best rank among their peers through the first quarter of the 21st century? According a recently published rankings from HoopsHype’s Frank Urbina, among those who have suited up for the Miami Heat, they’ve had four top-25 players, including three inside the top-15.

24. Chris Bosh

14. Shaquille O’Neal

10. Dwyane Wade

1. LeBron James

Are these four Heat greats properly placed?

For one, it’s not a farcry to say James — one of the greatest ever — is the best player of the 21st century. His longevity and peak are unrivaled, even though #RingzCulture™ will do anything to belittle his four championships (because it’s not six).

Wade, who’s ranked as the second-best shooting guard (behind Kobe Bryant, No. 2) on the list, is also properly placed. The race between Jokic, Garnett and Wade is way too tight, but I think they got it right. He’s now below No. 10, however.

O’Neal’s spot at No. 13 was a result of a bulk of his prime coming in the 1990s. Honestly, I’m surprised he was ranked as high as he was, but his 21st-century peak was as good as Kawhi Leonard, Steve Nash and Allen Iverson, the three ranked behind him.

Bosh was a better player than Pau Gasol, who’s at No. 22, but doesn’t get the benefit of the doubt because of his shortened prime due to blood clots. He still finished with 11 All-Star appearance and one All-NBA selection, but didn’t crack the top-25 in rebounds, scoring or blocks.

All in all, I don’t think there’s too much to say when it comes to their rankings. But it’s all subjective based on what you value. At least Wade is ahead of James Harden.

Do you think they got it right?! Let us know in the comments!

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