Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: Watch: Pat Riley Gets Emotional While Sharing A Personal Moment About Udonis Haslem
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > Watch: Pat Riley Gets Emotional While Sharing A Personal Moment About Udonis Haslem

Watch: Pat Riley Gets Emotional While Sharing A Personal Moment About Udonis Haslem

Pat Riley was moist-eyed when explaining the impact Udonis Haslem had on him and the Heat.

Aaron Abhishek
Jun 21, 2023
3 Min Read
Share

Credit: ClutchPoints/Twitter

Pat Riley was teary-eyed while explaining the impact Udonis Haslem had in his 20 years with the NBA, all with the Miami Heat.

Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, Riley got emotional when he recalled the death of his brother in 2020. He remembered the call he received from his nephew and how Haslem was there to console him during his time of grief.

“I was just hanging on the chain link fence. And then I felt this hand on my shoulder,” Riley said, his voice cracking. “And it was UD. He said, ‘I got you.’ He walked me to my car … that’s the kind of man he is. He’s special, he’s unique, we’re gonna miss him, but he’ll be around.”

“March 9th was the night that I found out my brother died… I felt this hand on my shoulder, and it was [Udonis Haslem]. He said ‘I got you’… That’s the kind of man he is.”

Pat Riley gets emotional speaking about Udonis Haslem 🥹

(via @Brendan_Tobin)pic.twitter.com/ZmghnERcuY

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 20, 2023

Haslem signed with the Heat in 2003 as an undrafted free agent and has since won three championships with the franchise. He is their all-time rebounds leader, ending his career with 7.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in his 879 games for the team.

But what made him special in Riley’s eyes was the influence that he was — something that the Heat will sorely miss heading into next season. Haslem called time on his decorated career this year, but Miami knows where to find the veteran when they need help.


The Heat Have Greatly Benefited With Udonis Haslem In Their Ranks

The veteran may not have been the force he once was, and for a man who contributed to both aspects of the game during his prime, Haslem was still a vital cog in the Miami locker room with his morale-boosting mentorship.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra outlined his value earlier. According to FanNation: “I love having him lead and mentor every single day,” he said. “I think his genius is the fact that he’s developing mentors around him, the next round of mentors, the guys who will be caretakers for this culture and help bring along other guys.”

Sometimes, the value of a player is more than just the numbers. And Haslem is a classic example of how he was a leader who had the respect of his teammates. And perhaps the Heat naming a section of the arena after the 42-year-old is a fitting tribute.

We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.

Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Udonis Haslem
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByAaron Abhishek
Aaron Abhishek is an NBA columnist for Fadeaway World. He graduated from St. Joseph's College with a Bachelor's in Visual Communication and a Master's in journalism.His passion for the sport began when he saw Michael Jordan take his final shot in the NBA, and he considers himself fortunate to have been a part of the Kobe Bryant era. Now he writes basketball news and analysis while waiting for the Los Angeles Lakers to win their 18th title.When not watching and writing basketball, you can find Aaron suited to play cricket, putting in some hard yards at the gym, trying a new coffee, and supporting Arsenal. Expertise: NBAFavorite Team: Los Angeles LakersPrevious Work: MEAWW, Blue Man Hoop, Sportskeeda
Previous Article NBA Fans Debate About The Four Most Influential NBA Players: “Where’s Allen Iverson?”
Next Article Kevin Durant Thinks James Harden Is One Of The Most Influential Players In NBA History
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick speaks to media before a Game 2 of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

JJ Redick Explains Why Lakers Got Blown Out By Suns In Preseason Opener

October 4, 2025
Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts against the Golden State Warriors at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Phoenix Suns News & Analysis

Devin Booker Trolls Deandre Ayton During Lakers-Suns Game

October 4, 2025
Lonzo Ball
Cleveland Cavaliers News & Analysis

Lonzo Ball On Track For Major Redemption Season, Turning Heads At Training Camp

October 4, 2025
Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27), center Nikola Jokic (15) and guard Christian Braun (0) in the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 6 of the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Denver Nuggets News & Analysis

Denver Nuggets Guard Declares They Have The Best Starting Five In The NBA

October 4, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?