The 21st century has been kind to the Miami Heat. All 3 of their franchise championships have come since 2006.? While there are many individuals responsible for Miami’s success in the past two decades, Dwyane Wade is often regarded as the best player in the franchise’s history. The Miami Heat won their first title in 2006 with Wade leading from the front, and Shaquille O’Neal holding down the fort. Their next two were won back-to-back in 2012 and 2013 after LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined the team.

There was only one player apart from Wade who was a part of the team during each of their championship runs, and the hall-0f-Famer holds him in very high regard.

A certain Heat legend holds a big spot in Flash’s family life

Very few players compete in the NBA for 20 seasons. Even fewer players spend the entirety of their career with the same team. Dirk Nowitzki and Kobe Bryant hold the longest records right now, but right behind them in third place is a Miami Heat legend.

After 2 decades with the Miami Heat, Udonis Haslem bid farewell to the NBA this season. Dwyane Wade and Haslem have led the Heat to three NBA Championship titles. But not only were they great teammates, they also share a heartwarming off-court rapport. Flash recently opened up about his relationship with Haslem and what he means to his four-year-old daughter.

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In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Wade said, “Udonis and I have known each other for 20 years now. When my daughter Kaavia was born, it was a no-brainer for me to make UD her godfather. Kaavia has two fathers in a sense, two men she can look up to and be proud of, and knows she can be protected in different ways.”

The retired shooting guard made it clear that he thinks of UD as family having shared most of their career on the same basketball court.? It was rather heartening to see Wade speaking so highly of his former teammate and friend. But it comes as no surprise as Haslem has influenced the culture of the Miami Heat organization for many years.

Udonis Haslem is “Mr Miami” praises Dwyane Wade

Udonis Haslem has been associated with the Miami Heat since 2003. The Miami Heat gave Haslem a contract even when he was not making any appearances for the team. Wade said, “He had his hands in every part of Miami. He?s Mr. Miami, and that?s how it should be for him.”

He was hands down one of the most well-respected and adored individuals in South Beach. Now, as he finally departs from the team after their disappointing finals loss, the team will sorely miss his presence in the locker room.

With trade rumors about superstar Damian Lillard taking over the Miami off-season, fans are curious to see what shape the Miami Heat organization takes next season.

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