Udonis Haslem is living his last moments in the NBA. The Heat veteran but also dean of the League announced it at the start of the season and repeats it once more: this season will be his last. Logical when you are 42 years old and the beginning of a white beard.
Ah… Udonis Haslem. For the younger part of our readership, it might just be an old man who spends his evenings on the Heat’s bench or Erik Spoelstra’s personal bodyguard. We had seen him take his defense once morest Jimmy Butler a year ago following all. But Udonis Haslem is more than that. He is the very definition of the institution “Miami Heat”. A big tough, fighter, who never gives up and who gives 100% every second on the floor.
It is true that at 42 and for at least six good years, his role is more confined to being a locker room voice, limited to Spoelstra’s assistant coach. But he represents the soul of the franchise. Well this soul will surrender at the end of the season. It had been announced since the end of 2022, no surprise for the leaders of South Beach. But Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald asked him once more to be sure. The strong winger just repeated what he had already said:
“I’m done no matter what. I gave my contribution to this franchise. I think at this point there needs to be another voice for these guys. Now is the time for someone to step up and be that voice in the locker room.” – Udonis Haslem
What might be more normal than saying goodbye following its 20th season. Admittedly, he is not as efficient as a LeBron James, but just being there and in theory being able to enter the field and hold the NBA level is already an achievement. But this goodbye will only be short-lived, since Mr.305 loves his franchise too much to leave it like that. There will remain a voice, but internally, in the offices, without knowing its precise role for the moment. Pat Riley also announced that his jersey will be retired as soon as possible. Bye bye No. 40 in Miami and hello to the legends ceiling. The question now is when will his last game with the Heat be. Is it in a month, April 9 if the Heat fall hard? Is it mid-April following an elimination in the play-in? Later in the Playoffs? Nobody knows yet.
Udonis Haslem with the Heat is three league titles (2006, 2012, 2013) for six finals. A place in the second Rookie-Team in 2004. Best rebounder in Miami history. And especially 20 seasons in the same franchise, rare to see that nowadays. Loyalty is sometimes a good thing in the NBA.
Source texte : NBC Sports
