Udonis Haslem is set to become a Miami Heat lifer when he enters his 17th season with the South Beach franchise this upcoming fall.
Haslem, 39, is one of the most iconic undrafted success stories in the NBA, when the Heat signed him in 2002. Ever since, “UD” has been a mainstay for the Heat, en route to a three-time championship career—first with the Shaquille O'Neal–Dwyane Wade Heat, and later with the back-to-back “Big Three” team headlined by LeBron James in 2012-13.
While it's unclear how big of a role the nearly-40-year-old Haslem will have on Miami next season, his legacy is definitely enduring and endearing for his teammates and coaching staff. For example, Wade, speaking at the Jr. NBA Global Championship on Sunday, praised his former Heat teammate. The Heat's points leader told reporters Haslem has plenty left in the tank.
Via RookieWire's Cody Taylor:
“It's something that he still wanted to do. He wasn't ready to walk away from the game. He still has so much to give to those players in that locker room.”
Miami has been one of the most notable franchises in giving their alumni cushy positions within the organization upon retirement. Should Haslem retire at the conclusion of his 17 season, he may remain with the Heat in some front-office position. Alonzo Mourning, for instance, is the Vice President of Player Programs and Development while Shane Battier is the Vice President, Basketball Development and Analytics.
Haslem only appeared in 10 games last season and a combined 67 games the three seasons before that.
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