When talking about Miami Heat legends, the first name that comes to mind is Dwyane Wade. Fans remember him for his ferocity, his athleticism, and his poster dunks. But a name that doesn?t come across too much is Miami Heat player Udonis Haslem. Even though Wade ended up spending some time with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls, Haslem has spent the entirety of his career with the Miami Heat.?
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Udonis Haslem went undrafted in the 2002 NBA draft but was picked up by the Heat in 2003. Haslem currently holds the record for the longest streak by any active player with only one team in the league. This will be Haslem?s 20th season in the league with the Heat.
Udonis Haslem on guiding young players
Haslem is a 6?8″ power forward who occasionally plays the center position for the team as well. A veteran in the locker room, Haslem?s forte is his post-defense. Though an undersized power forward, Haslem knows how to stop players in the post and is arguably one of the best post defenders for the Heat right now.
Though Haslem does not contribute much on the offensive side of the floor, he more than makes up for it by being a good role player. He is a backup big for the team and a good locker room presence. Plus, having a veteran to guide young players is always a plus for the Miami Heat.?
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However, Haslem?s recent bold claim has him being trolled on social media by fans. Haslem said, “I want kids somewhere to say, I want to have a career like Udonis Haslem — undrafted, worked for everything I got, won three championships, retired, and went into ownership with the same organization I played with for 20 years.??
Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:
Yes I want to get paid for not working too https://t.co/IgTV3Ysaax
— Bill (@rivercat11838) October 6, 2022
brother you havent played meaningful basketball minutes since 2011💀 no kid wants to bench ride for a decade
— Jayton Bratum (@JbandJceltic) October 6, 2022
https://twitter.com/kaliboydave/status/1578160806914465792?s=20&t=RuTvEuIJx6hUPdOKmFXWQA
if my kid says that pic.twitter.com/4sslFVibFd
— Amar (@pistonskilledme) October 6, 2022
https://twitter.com/BolWrld/status/1578030253456297985?s=20&t=RuTvEuIJx6hUPdOKmFXWQA
I give Micky and Pat the upmost respect for carrying him for at least 10 years.😉
— Jay Nice (@Jay_Nice_305) October 6, 2022
Aint no kid saying this
— Triple M (@mohamedmazhar_) October 6, 2022
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Miami Heat to retire Haslem’s jersey
Udonis Haslem has won three NBA championships with the Miami Heat. And now with Haslem coming back for his 20th season, he will become the third player in NBA history to play at least 20 years with one NBA franchise in their career. The other two players to do that are Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki. Recently, Miami Heat President Pat Riley announced the Heat will retire Haslem’s number 40 jersey when he retires.?
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That sure is a list any player would certainly want to be a part of. Haslem may not have been the flashiest player on the team. But you can be sure the Miami Heat will retire his jersey whenever he chooses to hang his sneakers.?