The Miami Heat have boasted incredible players over the years, becoming the home of some of the most honored and gifted stars the NBA has seen.
Udonis Haslem was a big figure in the Heat’s recent history, and the big man earned his flowers during and after his career was done. Dwyane Wade showered him in praise while talking with Sports Illustrated.
“He has had the greatest career in Miami Heat history. No one thought that would be the case when he first walked into that building. The franchise has had Shaq, Tim Hardaway, Alonzo [Mourning], LeBron, Chris Bosh—a line of Hall of Famers. But there’s one that stands above us all. That’s Udonis Haslem. How damn cool is it that kids growing up will want to have a career like his?”
This is big praise considering that Wade is seen as the greatest Heat of all time. However, Haslem beats him in that department. During his career, Haslem averaged 7.5 points and 6.6 rebounds in 879 regular-season games.
After the 2023 NBA Finals, their ultimate legend, Udonis Haslem, decided to call it a career. The power forward spent the last seasons of his career having a player-coach role, mentoring the young guys and introducing them to the famous ‘Heat culture.’
Haslem has been really good at it, becoming one of the most respected players in the NBA during his tenure with the Miami Heat. The 2023 NBA playoffs were his last experience with the team, and he hoped to close out his career with another championship.
Nevertheless, the Denver Nuggets were too much to bear for the Floridian team, and Haslem had to finish his 20-year stint in the league with a painful defeat.
Udonis Haslem Retired After His 20th NBA Season
After two or three years of flirting with retirement, Haslem made the decision this year. He decided to end his 20-year career with the Heat, and it could have ended in a special way.
First, he dropped 23 points in his final regular-season game ever, putting up a show for fans and teammates. After that, he made an appearance in the Finals, becoming the oldest player to play in a Finals game.
His career didn’t have the fairytale end he would have wanted, but Haslem once again was part of a competitive team that exceeded expectations and competed for the biggest prize in the NBA.
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