A player can have an immeasurable impact on a team and city without ever earning an All-Star selection. Leadership and tenacity are intangibles that resonate with sports fans everywhere. Udonis Haslem is a glorified role player who has hardly taken the floor for the Miami Heat over the last few years, but his influence remains entrenched in the franchise.

Haslem's 20-season run in the NBA, all with Miami, came to an official end after the Heat fell to the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals. Saying goodbye to the three-time champion is a difficult concept for South Beach to grapple with because he has been around for the greatest moments in the organization's storied history. Imagine how difficult it is for his teammates to wish him farewell.

Max Strus sent Haslem, long referred to as the Mayor of Miami, a proper and heartfelt goodbye shortly after the Heat's 2022-23 campaign came to an end.

“Thank you for being a constant leader, role model, and professional,” Strus wrote on Instagram Friday. “I learned from you every single day even when you weren’t trying to teach. You guided the path for all the undrafted. You were there every step of the way for all of us. I appreciate all the wisdom you provided along the way, and I know that won’t go anywhere as our friendship continues.”

From an undrafted rookie in 2003 to the NBA mountaintop alongside Dwayne Wade, LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal, Haslem's improbable journey is an inspiration to all unheralded talents like Strus. Words can be hollow, but the affection Udonis Haslem receives from members of the Heat organization comes across as deeply genuine.

Haslem gave everything he had to the Heat, their fans and the city of Miami. He deserves all of the profound appreciation that comes with such complete devotion.