LeBron James ex-teammate puzzled by modern day franchise players asking for ‘more help’
Former Miami Heat star Udonis Haslem has been making the headlines reagarding his recent statements on the Big Podcast.
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LeBron James and Udonis Haslem
Every NBA team typically has one franchise player. For example, LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers, Stephen Curry with the Golden State Warriors, and Donovan Mitchell with the Cleveland Cavaliers. In this context, former Miami Heat star Udonis Haslem shared an interesting perspective on “modern-day franchise players” during his appearance on the Big Podcast.
NBA teams aim to build around their franchise stars, surrounding them with players who complement each other in pursuit of an NBA title. However, in recent years, many franchise players have made numerous demands, often seeking “more help.” Udonis Haslem disagrees with this approach.
On the Big Podcast, Haslem argued that a true franchise player should elevate those around him, rather than asking for “more help.”
The definition of a franchise player in my era when i look back to Shaq, when I look back to LeBron, when I look back to Wade, they raised the level of everybody around them. They didn’t keep going back and saying we need help.Udonis Haslem said
Haslem also claimed that the franchise players are being paid the most, so much so that the NBA sides cannot afford to pay ‘anyone else.’ He made his stance clear regarding these types of players and their latest demands despite being paid around ‘$200 million.’ He believes that the franchise players have to motivate the players around them rather than complain and moan about the roster.
Udonis Haslem once made a huge assertion regarding the Miami Heat ‘Big 3’
Former Miami Heat legend Udonis Haslem was a crucial player for his side during his time. Haslem thinks he contributed significantly to the team’s 2012 and 2013 NBA championship victories. Not only that, but he also claimed in an interview with GQ Sports that the Heat’s Big 3 would not have won the NBA titles without his presence on the court.
I don't care what nobody say, I had my moments and we don't win none of those rings without me. I did my job and that's all you can do: Stay ready so you don't have to get ready. I had some critical moments where I had to step in and hold down the fort.Udonis Haslem told Tyler R. Tynes of GQ sports
The 41-year-old Haslem played in Miami for the whole duration of his NBA career. Although Haslem put up a strong 10.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per game on average throughout five years from 2004–05 to 2008–09, his impact diminished when LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwyane Wade in Miami in 2010.
However, he still played a crucial role alongside the Big 3, as he served as a crucial leader and glue guy, welcoming James and Bosch to the roster.
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Kartik Mudaliar
(870 Articles Published)