Over the years, the NBA has been host to its fair share of enigmas walking around on the court. Many never imagined young LeBron James to be playing for more than two decades when he stepped onto the court in 2003. Imagining young Kobe Bryant in 1996 leading the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA titles in the next century may have seemed far-fetched at the time. However, the NBA’s competitive spirit can transform rookies into seasoned professionals. Similarly, a certain Miami Heat star managed to keep veterans like Jimmy Butler in check by maintaining an impressive level of physical fitness that would impress even the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Miami Heat have managed to survive the play-in tournament to secure their spot in the playoffs. Despite losing their first game in the play-in tournament, the Heat managed to come back, thanks to their performances and mindset. The latter could be credited to a veteran in the squad who, at the age of 42, has been instrumental in upholding the standards.

Heat veteran whose fitness level has managed to keep players like Jimmy Butler in check

Back in 1982, Arnold Schwarzenegger had to lose muscle and increase his body fat to 12% for featuring in Conan the Barbarian. Schwarzenegger was 35 at the time, and maintaining a 12% body fat wouldn’t really be a problem for him. However, the Miami Heat veteran, Udonis Haslem’s story might even surprise the seven-time Mr. Olympia.

In an interview with GQ in 2021, Udonis Haslem revealed it all about how he consciously tried to be an example for the younger guys in his squad by keeping up his tremendous physique.

“They give me the keys and they trust me. And I handle it. There?s no doubt in their minds…I?ve earned this respect and I take it very seriously,” said Haslem. He added, ” I?m 41 years old, man. I walk in the locker room and I?m 223 pounds and have six percent body fat. I don?t have to be six percent body fat if I don?t want to and I don?t have to do none of this s**t. But it?s a standard, dog. How the hell do I tell Markieff Morris or anybody that we need them to lose weight, or get in shape, and this is the standard, if I?m not that?”

In the same interview, Haslem also mentioned how the Heat squad didn’t want to mince words in front of each other, but rather build a culture of accountability. He added how Jimmy Butler has been a fan favorite on the East Coast because of the same reasons.

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According to Haslem, these are the important characteristics that have made it possible for him to stay afloat in a 20-year-long career at the top of the sport.

Udonis Haslem will be off the Heat’s books after 2022-23 season

The 42-year-old successfully ended his regular season career in the NBA on 9th April 2023, with a win against the Orlando Magic. At the end of the game, Haslem broke a record, becoming the only 42-year-old to score 24 or more points in an NBA game. After successfully surviving the play-in tournament, the Miami Heat now face a formidable opponent in the playoffs: the title favorites, the Milwaukee Bucks. Many Heat fans would hope for an upset in the series, to make Haslem’s final goodbye to the league, even more magical.

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What are your thoughts on Haslem leading from the front? Let us know in the comments.