Miami Heat will have one of its favorite players back for his 20th season. Udonis Haslem announced that he would return to the team to complete 20 years with the Miami Heat. With this, he joins the likes of Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowiztki.
As per the latest sports news, Udonis Haslem shared the news with the media on Sunday at Basketball & Cheer Camp held at Miami Senior School. Udonis Haslem said he decided to follow through with what he and his father had initially decided.
It could be the final season for the 42-years old basketball champion. His father passed away at the beginning of the last season. Calling it the toughest time, Udonis Haslem said that returning to Miami Heat will not be easy, but he will stick to the goal of winning the championship for the team and the city. This news created a wave of disappointment in fans and somehow affected people betting on basketball tournaments.
The Miami Heat shared the visuals for the same on its official Twitter account.
The Miami Heat gained Udonis Haslem in August 2003 as an undrafted free agent. He then went on to play alongside Dwayne Wade during the initial championship run of the team in 2006. Udonis Haslem then transitioned to the bench role for four NFA Finals & two championships during 2010-2014.
Udonis Haslem remains a crucial culture setter for the team despite appearing less than 16 times in the last six seasons.
He is a pillar-holder for the team as he has served as a player-coach for the team for the last seven years. Before that, Udonis Haslem was credited with the Miami Heat winning three titles and shaping new players like Bam Adebayo.
Playing the 20th season for the Miami Heat was exactly what his father wanted him to do, which is what he will stand up for.
Udonis Haslem will be the oldest player in the NBA to enter the 20th season. He ranks in the top 10 all-time in various categories for the team, including steals and field goals attempted. Udonis Haslem is also the all-time leading rebounder for the Miami Heat.
His career average comes to 7.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per game; however, the impact he created remains unmatched by others. Udonis Haslem is responsible for ensuring that all the players deliver the expected standard set by the team’s management.
He is also responsible for having a big impact on stars like Tyler Herro and Jimmy Butler, in addition to Bam Adebayo. Bam Adebayo talked to the press and said that it was unreal how Udonis Haslem prepared him for the battle. He called Udonis Haslem one of the strongest guys to be faced in practice.
Erik Spoelstra, the Coach, called him a selfless leader and said that no one could ask for a better leader. While Udonis Haslem is not looking for a grand gesture in a farewell match, he is hopeful that the team players will succeed as a symbolic farewell gesture.
