Udonis Haslem was not the most flashy player to ever don a Miami Heat uniform, but he will certainly go down as one of the best. And Dwyane Wade recently talked up one of the big reasons why he was able to carve out such a long NBA career: his exceptional ability to lead in the locker room.
Wade recently wrote about a few of the best players he played with during his time in the Association. Names like Pat Riley and Shaquille O'Neal were brought up, but so was Haslem.
"UD was never one of the top guys when it came to stardom, but he still had the loudest voice in the locker room. When he talked, everyone listened because we knew it wasn’t coming from a selfish place at all. It was coming from a guy who would literally give everything in his body for you on whatever play."Wade on Haslem
Udonis Haslem helped write the Heat history books
Haslem quickly became a key figure for the Heat over the last few decades. Even now that his playing career is over, Haslem's presence is still very much felt inside that locker room. On occasion, Haslem still shows up for practices in shorts and sneakers.
Haslem didn't just help set the tone for the Heat during the 2000s through 2010s, but he continues to be an influential member of the team. Officially listed as vice president of basketball development for the Heat, it's safe to say that he does more than that.
And, perhaps most important, is viewed as a much bigger figure.
How it all began for Udonis Haslem
As an undrafted free agent out of the University of Florida, Haslem joined the Heat during the 2003 season. Quickly making waves, Haslem earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors. He also helped lead the Heat to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Haslem was named team captain for the first time during the 2007-08 season, and never relinquished such honors. Over the course of his 20-year career, Haslem would play in over 850 regular-season games, 149 playoff games, and finish with over 6,500 points scored.
He also won three NBA Championships with the Heat.
While he may not be voted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, there's no question he will be immortalized one day by the Heat. Looking back, especially in the eyes of Wade, you can't tell the entire story of the Heat without mentioning Haslem.
In many ways, he embodies everything the Heat is today.