Udonis Haslem is Back on the Heat!

        If you are a true Miami Heat fan then you know much about the Heat legend Udonis Haslem. Back in 2002 Haslem went undrafted and would play a year overseas but would make his way back not only to the NBA but back to his city. Haslem would sign a 2-year deal with the Miami Heat and alongside him joined the fifth overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft Dwyane Wade. Haslem left a great impression on the Heat organization with his toughness and doing the dirty work on the court. 

        In 2006, Haslem played a major role in the Miami Heat's run to the NBA Finals and helping bring back Miami its first NBA championship against the Dallas Mavericks. While it was Dwyane Wade who carried the team offensively, Haslem was given the biggest assignment, guarding Dirk Nowitzki. Nowitzki was one of the top Power Forwards in the league and arguably one of the greatest Power Forwards ever. In the 2006 Finals Nowitzki shot only 31% from the field when being guarded by Udonis Haslem. Given the size difference that should speak volume on the defensive presence Haslem left on the court which resulted in him becoming an NBA champion. 

        Being born and raised in Miami, Udonis obviously wanted to spend his entire career at home but in the summer of 2010 that dream was almost crushed. In that summer the Heat used their available cap to sign Lebron James and Chris Bosh in free agency while retaining Dwyane Wade. Haslem was almost certain that he was going to play for another team but LeBron, Bosh and Wade collectively worked together to create an opportunity for Haslem to re-sign. LeBron, Bosh and Wade took less money and created $20 Million available for Haslem which he would end up agreeing too. The Miami Heat's new big three saw what Haslem provides for the team and together they won two NBA championships. 

        The phrase "Heat Culture" is well known around the league and Udonis Haslem is a huge example as to what "Heat Culture" is all about. Haslem says that "Heat Culture is discipline, accountability, work ethic and enjoying somebody else's success." Haslem showed plenty of all that towards the end of his career, even when his game time significantly reduced, he continued to be a professional, provide veteran leadership and enjoy the success of his teammates. Many fans outside of Miami did not understand why the Heat kept re-signing Haslem when he rarely even plays but the front office knew his leadership was extremely valuable. 

        Udonis Haslem just wrapped a twenty year NBA career, all with the Miami Heat. Haslem joins two other players to play twenty years on one team, the others were Dirk Nowitzki with the Dallas Mavericks and Kobe Bryant with the Los Angeles Lakers. Haslem is not only a pioneer as a Heat player but for every undrafted player. Haslem proved that no matter the difficulty, if you keep working hard then you can accomplish your goal. With Haslem's hard work he is the Miami Heat's all time leader in total rebounds.

        It was just recently announced that the Miami Heat have hired Udonis Haslem as Vice President of Basketball Development. Haslem's responsibilities will include being a source to the coaching staff, mentoring both Heat and Skyforce [Heat's G-League affiliated team] players as well as representing the organization in the community. Haslem still has the goal of having ownership stakes for the Heat organization but for now he joins the front office. His good pal, Pat Riley, had some words to say on having Haslem in the front office, saying "born and raised in Miami, UD has been an integral part of the success of the Heat for 20 years. It's great that he has chosen to continue to build on his incredible legacy here in Miami, where he belongs."