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14 March 2012: Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) talks to Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade (3) during the Chicago Bulls 106-102 victory over the Miami Heat at the United Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA. (Photo by Mark Halmas/Icon SMI/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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14 March 2012: Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) talks to Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade (3) during the Chicago Bulls 106-102 victory over the Miami Heat at the United Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA. (Photo by Mark Halmas/Icon SMI/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Udonis Haslem has been one of the longest-serving players of the Miami Heat. Now in his 20th season with the franchise, UD has played an important role in shaping the franchise’s success. Although he is currently 40 years old, Haslem plays an important role in the dressing room. Not to mention, he does receive some minutes here and there which are loved by fans worldwide. As the Heat take on the Boston Celtics in Game 7, Haslem had a lot to say.
During an interview, the 3-time NBA champion opened up on his long career. Interestingly, he also made comments about LeBron James and Dwyane Wade which might raise some eyebrows.
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Miami Heat icon makes damning LeBron James confession
Despite spending only a few years with the franchise, LeBron James has cemented himself as one of the greatest Miami Heat players ever. After all, he led them to two consecutive NBA titles.
Although Udonis Haslem might not have had the impact of James or Dwyane Wade on the court, he is still regarded as one of the greats. During a recent interview, Haslem talked about how impact does not only depend on what a player does on the court.
Haslem said, “You don’t have to be a Hall of Famer to have an impact and put your fingerprints on an organization that’ll last forever. That’s what most people want to believe, and that’s what society wants you to believe, because I wasn’t Dwyane [Wade] or LeBron that I’m not worthy, to be the face or to be the guy here in Miami.”
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LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat celebrates after scoring the game-tying basket in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The Heat defeated the Cavaliers 98-95. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Additionally, he mentioned that he is a fan favorite and is one of the faces of the franchises. Interestingly, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal had talked about Haslem’s impact on the franchise and praised the veteran.
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“Everybody knows about the Heat culture you gotta be prepared. I forgot to mention my good friend UD, he is teaching the young guys about the Heat culture”, said Shaq when UD was facing the fans’ wrath.
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Haslem’s latest contract renewal invited a lot of criticism
Over the last 5 NBA seasons, Udonis Haslem has only started a grand total of 3 games! While his dedication to the team is appreciated by fans, some believe that he does not deserve a contract renewal.
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USA Today via Reuters
Dec 10, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem (40) bows his head during pregame ceremonies before the start of the game against the San Antonio Spurs at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Heat offered the 42-year-old a contract an extension last year. Despite his age and lack of game time, Haslem’s deal is worth $2.9 million! This invited a lot of flak and criticism which led to fans talking about how the veteran is duping the franchise.
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What are your thoughts on Udonis Haslem’s career? Let us know in the comments below.
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