“I see y’all in the grocery store…it’s on!” Udonis Haslem promises to get violent if he encounters Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce

Miami Heat's veteran unleashed on Celtics' Garnett and Pierce in a fiery rant.

“I see y’all in the grocery store…it’s on!” Udonis Haslem promises to get violent if he encounters Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce

Bam Adebayo spoke about the Miami Heat culture on The OGs podcast. (Via The OGs podcast)

Udonis Haslem, the battle-hardened veteran of the Miami Heat, is known for his straightforwardness, a trait he doesn’t hesitate to show, especially when the Boston Celtics are the topic. His journey in the NBA, stretching impressively since 2002, has been filled with numerous skirmishes. But it’s his unquenched fiery rivalry with Celtics icons Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce that still burns bright.

On The OGs Show, Haslem let loose alongside co-host and former teammate Mike Miller. He openly shared his ongoing dislike for Garnett and Pierce, setting them apart from his respect for current Celtics stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

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Udonis Haslem went off on The OGs podcast:

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My era, we used to hate the motherf**kers we used to have to go against and the rivalries and all that sh*t to this day... The old motherf**kers, KG [Kevin Garnett] and Paul [Pierce], I don't f**k with y'all, y'all know that... I see y'all in the grocery store it's on. I don't care what aisle it is, it could be a 7/11 around the motherf**king cheese dip, it's like whatever. All that sh*t get flipped over.

While Haslem’s remarks are quite bold, they also highlight how NBA rivalries have evolved. The era he hails from had its fair share of intense, personal feuds, quite different from the social-media-friendly relationships seen in current rivalries.

Udonis Haslem, a key figure in shaping the Miami Heat, spent 16 of his 20 years in the NBA as their captain. In his final playing days, he sought a successor to lead the team. Identifying center Bam Adebayo as the ideal choice, Haslem saw in him the qualities to inspire and define the team’s ethos. Even after his retirement he continues to inspire and motivate the team.

Miami Heat celebrates Udonis Haslem with jersey retirement

The Miami Heat recently paid a moving tribute to Udonis Haslem by retiring his No. 40 jersey. The ceremony, a special moment on January 19 against the Atlanta Hawks, saw Haslem become the sixth Miami Heat player to receive this honor. Celebrating his 20-year journey with the Heat, Haslem is lauded for not just his on-court prowess but his steadfast dedication to both the team and its culture.

Miami Heat retiring Udonis Haslem's no. 40 jersey (NBA on ESPN)
Udonis Haslem looks on as the Miami Heat retire his No. 40 jersey (Via NBA on ESPN)

An undrafted free agent in 2003, Haslem quickly emerged as a key player. Contributing to three NBA championships, seven Eastern Conference titles, and 12 division wins, he averaged 7.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. More than his statistics, it was his 16 seasons as team captain that truly set him apart. Heat President Pat Riley highlighted Haslem’s legacy, hailing him as both a phenomenal championship player and an exemplary leader.

The jersey retirement event was a poignant moment for both Haslem and the fans. With deep emotion, Haslem expressed his gratitude to everyone in the organization, his family, and past teammates. The Heat commemorated this occasion with a $50,000 donation to his foundation, a special jersey, and a replica of his retirement banner. His jersey now proudly hangs beside other Miami legends like Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway, Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade.

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