[1] The Heat had the tenth pick in the 2002 NBA draft, and selected Caron Butler from the University of Connecticut.
[2][3][4] With the continued effects of his kidney ailment, Alonzo Mourning was forced to sit out the entire season.
The Heat finished last place in the Atlantic Division with a 25–57 record, their worst since the 1990–91 season.
[6] Scoring leader Eddie Jones was out for the remainder of the season with a groin injury after 47 games, and head coach Pat Riley was fined several times for lashing out referees following games.
[7] Following the season, Mourning would sign as a free agent with the New Jersey Nets,[8] and LaPhonso Ellis retired.