‘Salty’ Paul Pierce’s reaction to rival Udonis Haslem’s jersey retirement has fans in splits

NBA fans mercilessly bash Paul Pierce's controversial comments on the Miami Heat retiring Udonis Haslem's jersey.

‘Salty’ Paul Pierce’s reaction to rival Udonis Haslem’s jersey retirement has fans in splits

Udonis Haslem looks on as Miami Heat retires his No. 40 Jersey (ESPN)

Ex-rival and former Boston Celtics’ star, Paul Pierce just couldn’t hold back on Udonis Haslem’s jersey retirement by the Miami Heat. He threw shade on Haslem’s big moment, and boy, did that set off a storm of comments from fans and fellow players! Pierce suggested that the whole thing meant absolutely nothing, and the organization is ‘just’ giving the honor to anyone.

But why’s Haslem worthy of this honor, you ask? Just look at his time with the Miami Heat. Even though he wasn’t ever in the All-Star game or on an All-NBA list, he’s still a legend in Miami, being captain of the team for 16 of his last 20 seasons.

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He’s racked up the second-highest number of games and minutes played for the Heat. Plus, he’s among the top five in field goals, and, get this, he also leads the franchise in both offensive and defensive rebounds.

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Udonis Haslem chose to be the bigger man, despite his recent comments that might have suggested otherwise. Sure, his first reaction was to push back, but in the end, he tipped his hat to Pierce’s opinion. It’s that kind of class and leadership that’s made him such a key figure in the Heat’s culture. Here’s what he had to say in return:

My first reaction was to choose violence but I'm gon spare cause I know you ain’t like that. You're entitled to your opinion my boy!!!!

Retiring Haslem’s jersey isn’t just about his stats. It’s a nod to his relentless dedication to the Miami Heat. His leadership, on and off the court, and his role in bagging three championship titles – that’s what makes him a true Miami Heat icon.

Fans bash ‘Poop’ Pierce for hating on the ‘team that owns him’

Whenever Paul Pierce comes out with another one of his ‘salty’ takes, fans are quick to bring up the one time he reportedly couldn’t hold it in anymore. Pierce once admitted on ESPN that he was taken out of Game 6 of the 2008 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers as he felt that ‘something went down’ and he had to fake an injury to use the washroom.

Paul Pierce faked a serious injury in Game 6 of the 2008 NBA Finals so he could get out of the game and poop in peace... or pieces (Bleacher Report)
Paul Pierce faked a serious injury in Game 6 of the 2008 NBA Finals so he could get out of the game and poop in peace… or pieces (Bleacher Report)

Fans have been loud and clear in their support for Haslem, and not so kind about Pierce’s remarks. Here’s a taste of what they’re saying:

In the world of sports, rivalries and heated exchanges are common, but Haslem’s jersey retirement stands as a testament to his enduring legacy with the Miami Heat. A legacy that goes beyond the court and into the heart of Miami. It’s his moment and Paul Pierce, or anyone for that matter should not be the one to spoil it.

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