The Miami Heat retire Udonis Haslem’s #40 jersey during halftime of the game against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday (US time).
Haslem played 20 years for the Heat, with whom he won three NBA championships.
“It’s a great legacy, a moment of appreciation that we’ve earned over 20 years of being an incredible championship player and, most importantly, the best leader we could have,” Heat president Pat Riley said in an earlier press release.
“He will have his day and I can’t wait to see his jersey hanging in the pinstripes.”
Haslem’s No. 40 will join the retired jersey numbers of Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, Tim Hardaway, Shaquille O’Neal and Alonzo Mourning.
The Heat, meanwhile, lost 109-108 to the Hawks.
When an NBA franchise retires someone’s jersey, it automatically means that that person has created an impact on the organisation that can be felt for a very long time.
Over the years, players whose names are synonymous with their teams have had the honour of making sure that their numbers are never worn again. Take Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat.
On Friday night, Haslem watched as his number 40 was raised at the Kasey Center. He even shared the moment with retired Heat forward Dwayne Wade, according to NBA on ESPN.
Looking at Haslem’s career numbers, some who don’t have the Heat’s franchise history might question the team’s decision. However, this is a well-deserved recognition for Miami fandom. Haslem has spent 20 years with the franchise and has given much more to the team than the scoreboard shows.
Those who have started watching basketball recently know Haslem as a veteran who has provided leadership for the Heat in his final years. From fiery locker room speeches to mentoring the team’s younger players, Haslem has done his best to help the coaching staff as he has rarely played on the floor.
But people forget the 43-year-old’s playing days. When he was younger, Haslem was an integral part of the Heat’s three championship titles. Haslem, who played as a rookie during the team’s first title run and came off the bench during the Big Three era, poured his heart and soul into Miami’s flag bearers.
Now the team has recognised his hard work and dedication. Udonis Haslem may not have been a star. But he never had to be a player for the city of Miami – he is a legend in his own way.