The Miami Heat will give three-time NBA champion and 2006 Finals MVP Dwyane Wade a full weekend to celebrate his legendary career with the organization.

Udonis Haslem, however, is planning for a grander retirement ceremony. According to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Haslem, wants to have a week-long celebration given his ties to Miami. The veteran big man is currently in the midst of his 17th season with the Heat.

In the wake of the formal announcement that Dwyane Wade’s jersey retirement would span a weekend, Heat forward Udonis Haslem said he likely will need a week for his eventual moment. “I mean, mine’s going to go forever, because I’m from there,” Haslem said as the Heat’s three-game trip wound to Sunday’s conclusion against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

The way Haslem looks at it, he likely will then need additional time when his No. 40 makes it to the rafters at AmericanAirlines Arena, considering his roots and lifelong ties in South Florida. “I haven’t even thought about it,” he said, with this expected to be his final season. “I just saw that he got two or three days. Mine’s going to be parties in a lot of different areas of Miami when I retire.”

Haslem was born and raised in Miami and attended high school in Miami Senior High School. He then played four years of college ball with the Florida Gators from 1998 to 2002.

The 6-foot-8 forward went undrafted in 2002. But he secured a deal with his hometown Heat in 2003. He achieved All-Rookie Second Team honors in his debut campaign and became a fan favorite among the Heat faithful.

Haslem won three championships with the Heat and was an instrumental piece of all their title wins in 2006, 2012, and 2013.

Currently, the 39-year old is still with the Heat as the team is enjoying a pleasantly surprising campaign. They are currently second in the East, as Haslem serves as a mentor and valued veteran locker room presence. In fact, this has been his role with the team over the past five  seasons. The veteran has only seen the floor 79 times over this stretch of his career.

Nevertheless, the Heat organization and Heat fans appreciate Haslem for what he has done for them throughout these past 17 years. In fact, they have dubbed him as the “Heart and Soul” of the franchise.

Don't expect the Heat to short-change their beloved hometown boy's wishes when he finally hangs up his sneakers for good.


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