Udonis Haslem was undoubtedly associated with the Heat, even though he may not have been among the best players to ever play in Miami. The 43-year-old has decided to retire from the NBA after 20 seasons with the Florida team.
Haslem was chosen for the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2004 and went on to win three NBA titles with Miami (2006, 2012, 2013). He had higher hopes for the Heat, though. Haslem, a legend in Miami, is retiring.
“20 years…It’s difficult to express how these 20 years have affected me, yet you all are familiar with who I am. Absolutely, I’m going to try.
I count it a great blessing that I can claim I have no regrets about leaving this game. It’s difficult not to feel at ease while thinking about the victories, the honors, and the fraternity. The list goes on: undrafted to three-time champion, All-Rookie 2nd Team, Teammate of the Year, oldest player to compete in an NBA Finals game, leading rebounder in Miami Heat history, and player with the longest stay…
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Shout out to my Real 0Gs, my teammates who allowed me to be their 0G, and my family for supporting me through everything. Despite the ups and downs of this journey, I am sincerely appreciative and have absolutely no complaints… down to leaving money on the table in order to remain in my city! Miami, you made it all worthwhile!
I’ll always be the 0G, but it’s time to start working on being a family man and a businessman.
I’ll see you in the rafters, No. 40. “0G out until then,” Haslem posted on social media.
Haslem spent a year in France with Elan Chalon after playing collegiate basketball for Florida (1998–2002). He then went undrafted in 2002.
He was raised in Florida and joined with his hometown team in 2003. He played in 879 regular season games, scoring 7.5 points per game and pulling down 6.6 rebounds per game. In 149 postseason games, he also participated, averaging 5.6 points and 5.5 rebounds.
He is second only to Dwyane Wade (21,719 minutes) in terms of most minutes played and owns the record for the Miami Heat with 5,791 rebounds. With 6,586 points, Haslem ranks sixth all-time in Heat scoring.