2002–03 Miami Heat season | |
---|---|
Alonzo Mourning's final season in Miami until 2004-05 | |
Head coach | Pat Riley |
Arena | American Airlines Arena |
Results | |
Record | 25–57 (.305) |
Place |
Division: 7th (Atlantic) Conference: 13th (Eastern) |
Playoff finish | Did Not Qualify |
Stats @ Basketball-Reference.com |
|
Local media | |
Television | Sunshine Network, WBFS, WFOR |
Radio | WIOD |
The 2002–03 NBA season was the fifteenth season for the Miami Heat in the National Basketball Association. With the continued effects of his kidney ailment, Alonzo Mourning was forced to sit out the entire season. Without their star center, the Heat struggled and finished last place in the Atlantic Division with a 25–57 record, their worst since the 1990–91 season. Injuries limited scoring leader Eddie Jones to just 47 games, and head coach Pat Riley was fined several times for lashing out referees following games. The only bright spot on the team was top draft pick Caron Butler, who averaged 15.4 points per game while being selected to the All-Rookie Second Team. Following the season, Mourning would sign as a free agent with the New Jersey Nets and LaPhonso Ellis retired.
Caron Butler, NBA All-Rookie Team 2nd Team