Udonis Haslem gets exciting new role in Heat's front office

Months after his official retirement, Udonis Haslem is joining the Miami Heat in a front office role focused on player development and ventures off the court.

The Heat announced Tuesday that Haslem will join the organization as vice president of basketball development. Haslem’s responsibilities include being a resource to the coaching staff, mentoring both Heat and Skyforce players as well as representing the organization in the community and in business endeavors, according to the press release.

Miami Heat legend, Udonis Haslem, will continue to be around the team as an official member of the front office.

“Born and raised in Miami, UD has been an integral part of the success of the Heat for 20 years,” said Heat president Pat Riley. “It’s great that he has chosen to continue to build on his incredible legacy here in Miami, where he belongs."

Haslem retired last summer after spending his entire 20-year NBA career with the Heat, where he won championships in 2006, 2012 and 2013. He is one of only three players in NBA history to play at least 20 years with one franchise, joining only Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki.

Despite being in his first year of retirement, Haslem has participated in several Heat practices this season. Coach Erik Spoelstra has been hopeful that Haslem would become an official part of the organizaton and continue to be a presence around the team.

"UD is going to be around and serve in a lot of different capacities for our organization -- down stairs, up stairs," Spoelstra said after a recent Heat practice that Haslem participated in. "But I love having him in the gym, I love having him in the locker room, I love having him in any kind of role."

Haslem finished his career as the franchise’s all-time leader in rebounds. He also ranks second in games and minutes played, fifth in double-doubles, seventh in points, ninth in field goal percentage, 10th in blocks and 11th in steals. Haslem’s 147 postseason appearances are the most by an undrafted player in league history.

Haslem will also continue his work in the Miami community through his Udonis Haslem Foundation. The foundation’s goal is to address the socio-economic and mental health issues that plague the inner cities by partnering with programs and organizations to provide increased access to services and opportunities to improve lives.