The Miami Heat recently gave the ultimate reward for Udonis Haslem’s loyalty to the team by retiring his jersey. While it is apparent how Haslem has impacted the organization with his presence in the last 20 years, Paul Pierce decided to diminish the moment with his comments. However, former NBA stars Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson didn’t let this prevent them from singing their praise for the Miami Heat legend.

Udonis Haslem was a role player for most of his career. Since it is not every day that we see a role player get their jersey retired by an organization, Stephen Jackson was happy to see someone who resembled himself attain this honor.

“Like I said, I feel like it is an honor for him cause it feel like all the real ones that’ll never see that day—it felt like we got our jersey retired… He is the definition of solid. He’s the definition of standing on his morals. He’s loyal. He been there for a long time. Multiple championships. Played his role to a T,” said Stephen Jackson in a recent episode of ALL THE SMOKE podcast.

Udonis Haslem has been loyal to the organization. He took pay cuts and always did his part to place the Heat in a position of contention. So, the Heat did right by Haslem by making him be part of the organization for almost 20 years and also retiring his jersey alongside his brother Dwyane Wade.

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However, Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce, who has always been rivals with the Heat throughout his career, was not impressed with Haslem getting this honor.

Udonis Haslem took the high road against Paul Pierce

While fans and players across the association gave their flowers to Udonis Haslem, Paul Pierce went the opposite route. When Stephen Jackson made an appreciation post for Haslem, Paul Pierce commented, “This one given bro just saying.”

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However, instead of defending himself against Paul Pierce, Haslem decided to let it slide as he replied, “@paulpierce my first reaction was to choose violence but I’m gon spare cause I know you ain’t like that. You’re entitled to your opinion my boy!!!!.” However, the two are legends in their own regard and have their jerseys retired with their respective teams.

What do you think of Udonis Haslem getting his jersey retired? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!