?I Lost Both My Parents?: NBA?s Oldest Active Player?s Brutal Reality Check Could Help Jimmy Butler and Younger Miami Heat Teammates

The Miami Heat were one win away from sweeping the Boston Celtics. However, the Celtics fought back with resilience and have forced a Game 7 on Miami. Hours from now, the hoops world will witness the much-awaited Game 7 tipoff. Since Boston is determined to make history by overcoming a 3-0 deficit, Jimmy Butler and Co. go to battle with a chip on their shoulders. Amid this testing and tumultuous time, NBA’s oldest active player has chimed in with a stringent reality check.

The Miami Heat is indeed missing their iconic leader Udonis Haslem. The very presence of the veteran would have fuelled up Miami’s confidence in a crucial time like this. Now, Haslem has explained why he decided to call it quits.

Heat veteran gives a reality check to Jimmy Butler and Co.

Udonis Haslem has been with Miami through thick and then. Haslem has been donning the Miami colors ever since 2003. He gave his blood and sweat during Miami’s three triumphant NBA campaigns. However, Haslem played his last regular season game in April. Later, he showed up for two minutes in Game 3 of the Heat-Bucks series.

In an interview with Andscape, Udonis Haslem was asked why he thinks this was the right time to retire. He replied,

“I just think it?s time. I?ve given all that I can give, but I?ve also lost so much. I?ve lost time. Things that I don?t get back. I lost both my parents. So, in the midst of doing so much giving, and it?s been amazing, I?ve lost so much time. And I lost so many things that I can?t get back.

“And I?m just getting to the point where I?m realizing all the people that have sacrificed for me to be in this position. The reality is I won?t have them forever. And I think it?s time to start giving back to those people.”?

Udonis Haslem still has the chance to claim a silverware on his retirement year. However, Jimmy Butler and Co. will have to go through some serious hurdles to honor the legendary Haslem with a ring.

WATCH THIS STORY: ?Lewis Hamilton, Leonardo Di Caprio witness a LeBron James masterclass at the 2023 NBA playoffs?

Can Udonis Haslem end his illustrious journey with a ring?

Given the Heat’s surreal playoff run and 3-0 lead against the Celtics, nobody would have thought the Green will force a winner-takes-all game on Miami. Besides, Heat is facing the Celtics in Boston for the last act of the Eastern Conference Finals. If they overcome the tumult, it will be the seventh NBA finals appearance for both the franchise and Haslem.

Though Miami is now on the bubble, they have had the best playoff run this season. Haslem’s ace leadership earned the Miami side a berth in the post-season. Thanks to Jimmy Butler’s exploits, the Heat started their dream playoff run by ousting the top-seeded Bucks. Even if Haslem falls short of winning a ring, he can be proud if his younger teammates live up to the “Heat culture” and render one of the most iconic playoff runs in NBA history.

READ MORE: Heartbreak at the Buzzer for Jimmy Butler?s Heat Gets Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell and the NBA World Riled Up Over What 28YO Star Did for Jayson Tatum?s Celtics