Ranking the best Miami Heat players from 2000-2009
By Cory Sanning
4. Udonis Haslem
Stats (2004-2009): 10.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, 50 percent from the field
The Miami native made his professional debut during the 2003-04 season after being passed over in the 2003 NBA Draft. Haslem would go on to have one of the more successful careers by an undrafted player in NBA history.
Nicknamed the Captain, Haslem has been the heart and soul of the Heat organization since he left the University of Florida following the 2002 season.
He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team after averaging 7.3 points and 6.3 rebounds during the 2003-04 season, helping push Miami to what would turn into three consecutive postseason appearances alongside 2003 classmate, Dwyane Wade.
The Heat would go on to make the Conference Finals in 2005 and would eventually claim their first championship in franchise history following the 2006 NBA Finals. For the series, Haslem averaged 6.5 points and 6.2 rebounds, including a 17 point, 10 rebound masterpiece in the title-clinching Game 6.
Haslem would go on to average double-digit points for the next three seasons, developing one of the most deadly midrange jumpers in the NBA.
Although he was a bit undersized for the power forward position, Haslem was famous (or infamous, depending on your perspective) for his physical style of play. He was a stout defender and was able to hold his own against the best big men in the league.
In addition to Haslem’s on-court value, his contributions within the Miami community have made him a pillar in the city’s sporting history. There’s a reason that to this day, fans still chant “U” when he heads towards the scorer’s table.