Miami Heat veteran Udonis Haslem tells local reporters that he plans on returning next year. It will be his 14th season as a member of the team.
Since the 2003-04 season, there’s been one staple of Miami Heat basketball. Through the good times (all three titles) and the bad (2007-08), team captain Udonis Haslem has been there — taking charges and hitting mid-range jumpers.
Though he’s moved into more of a veteran leader off the bench role this season, it appears he’s not ready to call it quits just yet.
Haslem, affectionately known as UD by many in South Florida, told a throng of local media that he wants to come back for the 2017-’18 season. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald:
"The 36-year-old Haslem…has decided he wants to play next season. After receiving $4 million this season, he likely would play next season for the minimum, which rises to $2.3 million for 10-year veterans."
UD also told Jackson, “People probably think ‘he’s old and can’t play that much’ but I can give you a solid 15 minutes and…average what these guys average off the bench. Seven points, six rebounds, I can do that in my sleep.”
Statistics aside, more than anything, Haslem’s importance lies in his leadership. He’s basically an extra coach in the locker room, while mentoring young big men Hassan Whiteside and Willie Reed, as well.
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However, let’s not forget that Haslem used to have some game, too. Remember those grueling series against the Indiana Pacers, where Miami would struggle against the huge Roy Hibbert – David West frontcourt?
Who did Erik Spoelstra turn to in a pivotal Game 5, with the series tied two games apiece?
The captain, of course.