Miami Heat: What the Return of Udonis Haslem Means for Them
By Noah Decker
It’s official! Udonis Haslem will be returning for his 19th season with the Miami Heat.
Now being just two years away from tying Dirk Nowitzki’s record for the most years with one franchise, it is possible that Haslem will continue to re-sign with the Heat until he breaks the record.
Out of all of the signings the Heat made this offseason, this was probably the most important one. Although Haslem no longer plays in the Heat’s rotation, his value to the franchise is priceless and surely, Miami is glad to have him back.
UD is the heart of the team. He has been through it all.
Haslem was a part of all three of the franchise’s NBA championship runs. The veteran knowledge and experience he has allows him to motivate the team.
Udonis Haslem has agreed to return to the Miami Heat, making it 19 seasons he has played for the franchise. How does this impact next season?
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Even at the age of 41, Haslem continues to work just as hard as anyone else. He is the epitome of what it means to be a part of the “Heat Culture.”
His presence in practice and on the sideline in games builds team morale. From what we have seen in recent years, UD has learned to be a very firm yet motivational speaker.
He challenges his Miami Heat teammates during timeouts and at halftime of games. The Heat play better because Udonis Haslem exists.
Haslem is a veteran leader who has won multiple NBA championships. Every team seeking to win a championship needs a player like this.
And to be frank, Haslem is the best one, as not only has he won but he has done it all on one team. Haslem knows what it takes for the Miami Heat to be successful.
That’s the most important part of that equation… he knows this franchise, how, and what it takes to win at the highest of levels for this franchise. His knowledge will be particularly helpful next season.
Keeping Haslem around was one of the most important things the Miami Heat needed to take care of this year in order to keep their championship aspirations alive. Once again, they delivered.
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From the toughness he brings, to the energy and motivation he exudes, to the love the Miami fanbase has for him, it is good to have Udonis Haslem back on the Miami Heat. Welcome back Cap!