Three-time NBA champion Udonis Haslem will join Lebron James as one of the longest-tenured NBA players in the 2021 season. Despite being 41 years old and playing only one game last season, the Miami Heat re-sign the veteran center to a one-year $2.6 million deal.
Many basketball fans question the move by the organization, not realizing the 14-year captain brings a locker room presence, provides veteran leadership, and can instill the Heat culture into the younger players on another level. Having a player who grinds with you every day, slowly feeding the ideology of an organization, while mentoring young players on how to make it in the league hits differently coming from a teammate rather than someone in a coaching position.
The 6’8” 235lbs power forward went undrafted in 2002. He spent a year in France before signing with the Miami Heat in 2003. Haslem is now in the top five in games played (859), minutes played (21,565), field goals made (2,645), defensive rebounds (4,148), offensive rebounds ( 1,607) total rebounds (5,755), and has played over 140 playoff games.
Players, coaches, and staff including the president of the basketball operation, former Miami Heat coach, and 2008 Hall of Fame inductee Pat Riley weighed in on the value of Udonis Haslem. “His role is so critical for our team. Besides being able to still play, UD[Udonis Haslem] keeps everyone together in the locker room and on the road, teaching and mentoring.
Haslem’s leadership isn’t put on display every day to the public eye, but when it comes out you can see how captivating and attention-drawing he is to the entire team, including the coaches. We saw this come to fruition in the 2020 NBA Finals against the Los Angles Lakers when Haslem gave an emotional speech to the team. In 30 seconds Haslem gave a vigorous speech that fueled a game three victory over the heavily favored Lakers.
With the Miami Heat acquiring P.J Tucker, Kyle Lowry, and Markieff Morris in free agency, it looks like the team will need Haslem’s to instill the Heat culture into his new teammates.
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