The suspension of the 2019-20 NBA regular season could mark a slightly premature end to the career of future Hall-of-Famer Vince Carter,But the halted campaign in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak could also mean the end for another NBA's elder statesman: Miami Heat stalwart and three-time champion Udonis Haslem, writes Ira Winderman of The Sun-Sentinel.
Haslem, who will turn 40 in June, returned for another year because he didn’t want to leave the league after a non-playoff season. He didn’t commit to retiring after the season when asked about the possibility last month. But he has played just three games this year (21 minutes overall).
It’s his fourth straight season with minimal court time, as he's evidently evolved into more of an assistant coach. Team president Pat Riley has, in fact, already offered Haslem a formal assistant coach role.
While the Hawks are the eighth franchise Vince has suited up for, the undrafted Miami native has spent his entire 17-year NBA career with the Heat. Haslem has averaged 7.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game over his career. And he has pulled down more boards than anyone else while donning a Heat uniform. More importantly, “UD” has become one of the most beloved figures in South Florida sports. He's also become a beacon of the “Heat Culture” that Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra have proudly fostered.
Winderman is confident that Haslem’s No. 40 will be retired by the organization.
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