After 16 Years In A Heat Uniform, Udonis Haslem is retiring

by
Former Writers
January 30, 2019

Justin Rocke via Flickr

Everyone around the league and Miami Heat fans heard the news of Udonis Haslem announcing after 16 years with the team he will be retiring by the end of the season. ” I’m gonna call it done, too. There’s nothing else left for me to do on the basketball court.” Heartbreaking to say the least. Being a Miami Heat fan since 2006 and knowing he is the heartbeat of the team aches my heart.

I have met him several times at the Heat camp and at a meet and greet. Exceptional human. He was also always willing to greet fans with a smile and grace.

Photo Credit- Penny Guevara

The pride and captain of the Heat have decided to leave it all in the court by the end of the season. After 16 years of hard work, sweat and entertaining the Heat fans better known as HeatNation, Haslem is such a unique player. He reminds me of Dennis Rodman in a sense of aggressiveness on the court. Of course, Rodman was much entertaining, to say the least. Two different players but the same quality of athletes.

Udonis Haslem Has Been A True Pro For The Heat On And Off The Court

The love for the game is unbelievable, the hustle, passion, and dedication for the Heat organization as well as teammates, coaches, and staff.

Due to that reason, Haslem has been an essential part of the organization. He’s not only been great off the court with his business adventures and spreading love to the community but being a coach on the court. In the 2017-18 season, he was an imperative piece of the puzzle with the younger players. His role has changed within the past few years being a coach and mentor to the rookies and younger teammates. In fact, having a mentor on the team that cares about the players is a privilege the Heat organization have.

Haslem was a superb athlete who was always ready when his number is called. He also had a keen mentality, showing the young players how much dedication it takes to survive in the NBA. After 16 years in the Red, Black, and White, Heatnation will be saying goodbye. As a fan of Haslem, I am going to miss his passion, hustle, and love for the game.

Thank you, Haslem, for 16 years of outstanding memories in a Heat uniform.