“I’m here for a reason” Udonis Haslem calls out ‘dumb motherfu**ers’ who claim he’s wasting a spot in Miami Heat
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Udonis Haslem
Udonis Haslem is undeniably the most influential modern-era Miami Heat veteran present in Erik Spoelstra’s army. Heat won game 6 of the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals and one player – who was not on the court during 48-minute game time rushed to the Camera and made huge about the teams intentions. It was 42-year-old Udonis Haslem, who is on the Miami Roster but rarely hoops in the competitive games. Sadly Miami lost the series in the very next game at home, but Haslem’s reaction and special mention of “Draymond Green” remained a memory for the Miami faithful. Saying that many might wonder what role does Haslem play at Miami Heat then if he is not touching the ball during games? Here’s an explanation of it,
Despite playing very rarely, few people mean more to their team than Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat. The 42-year-old has spent the last 19 seasons with the organization. Since the end of the 2019 season, Udonis Haslem has appeared in only 18 games for the Miami Heat. But Haslem has played a key role in maintaining what has been coined “Heat Culture.” Even with such extremely minimal time spent on the court, the front office continues to re-sign the veteran big man.
Udonis Haslem talks about wasting a roster spot in Miami Heat
Haslem was an undrafted star from the 2002 NBA Draft. But he was signed by Miami Heat in 2003 and since then they remained loyal to the franchise, winning 3 Championships and becoming the 1st undrafted player to set a rebounding record for any franchise. Talking about his current role in the Miami team, recently called out for taking up the roster spot every year simply to keep a spot at the end of the bench. The three-time champion did not hold back during his response to such criticism.
Firing Haslem said, “Another misconception is that I take up a roster spot. People don’t know that we got the most undrafted people in the NBA on our team. There’s literally something going on here, people, which you dumb motherf****** can’t understand. You’re so focused on my age and why I’m here. There’s a reason why I’m f****** here.”
For any team looking to compete for an NBA title, culture and experience are extremely important. Haslem has been with the Heat for nearly two decades and knows what it takes to win at the highest level. Part of why the organization is so well respected is because of guys like him who enforce the right mentality. 2022 conference Finalist Miami Heat maintains a reputation of having influential players connected with the team. Dwyane Wade also visits the team in regular season games
Some might feel the Heat is wasting a roster spot signing Udonis Haslem every year. However, that is not the case. While he might not be able to provide much help on the court anymore, his value comes in the locker room and behind the scenes.
Good veteran leadership is hard to find in the NBA. We have seen Andre Iguodala doing a similar role for the Golden State Warriors. Some might think it serves little purpose. But a well-run organization would not make such a move unless they considered it important.
He has said he is not sure what comes next for him after last season but everyone will be hoping to see him back on the team.
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Kunal Chawda
(600 Articles Published)