Miami Heat veteran Udonis Haslem had a decision to make this summer. He decided to return and play one more season, but would he have been better off as a coach?
Veteran forward Udonis Haslem had a pivotal decision to make this summer after the end of the season for the Miami Heat. Should he return and play one more season, largely in a bench role and mentoring younger players, or should he retire and possibly come back as a coach in place of the departed Juwan Howard?
Haslem decided to come back and play one more year, but team president Pay Riley did give him the option.
According to the AP’s Tim Reynolds:
Pat Riley says he offered Udonis Haslem an opportunity to coach this summer. Says UD doesn't want to be one ... "but mark my words, one day, he's going to coach."
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) September 27, 2019
It seems as though there is a chasm between what Haslem wants in his future and what Riley expects from him, but it’s clear that a role on the coaching staff could be on the horizon. He might not want to coach at this point, but Udonis Haslem has been something of a coach in the locker room already.
Haslem staying on as a veteran presence on the team could pay dividends that simply being another coach may not. His status in the locker room might be difficult to replicate as a fledgling coach, and the natural separation between players and coaches may supersede his relationships and complicate his mentorship, especially in the early goings.
Fortunately for Haslem, he’s in a position where he can choose his future. He won’t be a contributor on the court, having only played 74 minutes in 10 games last season, 72 minutes two seasons ago and 130 minutes three seasons ago, but that doesn’t matter much to this organization given his contributions throughout his career.
He’s going into his 17th NBA season in 2019-20, all of them with the Miami Heat. He was a vital contributor in all three Heat championship teams, and in the teams that challenged for titles as well.
For as long as Mickey Arison owns and Pat Riley runs the Miami Heat, Udonis Haslem will be able to pick and choose the jobs and responsibilities he wants, and rightfully so.