Miami Heat end of season position study: Center

Udonis Haslem

Udonis Haslem is the definition of a lifer. The 35-year-old has been with Miami since 2003.

Over his career he has been averaging about 7.9 points and 7 rebounds a game on 26.1 minutes of play, but what the veteran contributes is in a way, more valuable. Haslem is always high-energy, motivating his teammates and ready to step in at every given moment. He knows what Miami Heat Basketball is about, and passes that on to every generation of player that joins the organization.

He also apparently knows how to give one heck of a halftime speech.

"“By the time I got back there, he was halfway through it. There wasn’t much that needed to be said after that,” explained head coach Erik Spoelstra."

Haslem only averaged 1.6 points and 2.0 rebounds a night this year for 7.0 minutes of play, but he came in during critical moments and propelled the team towards victory. He knows what the Heat need, when they need it, and is not afraid to go out there and prove it.

Although he does still want to stick around in the future, he is not sure he will be re-signed this summer:

"“I would love to be here. I still can play this game, obviously. When Coach threw me out there, I was able to help the team and produce. There’s a business side to everything, so you never know. It’s been great here. I’ve had a great and amazing career here, but there’s always a business side of things that you can’t control. We’ll see.”"

But for now, it seems like Riley is behind keeping him in South Beach.

Next: Bye Bye Birdy