Udonis Haslem Miami Heat Mar 28, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem (40) watches from the court during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
By Arthur Weinstein on

To say that Udonis Haslem has beaten the odds in the NBA is a huge understatement.

The veteran forward entered the league as an undrafted free agent and went on to play an incredible 20 seasons, all with the Miami Heat, playing a key role on three NBA championship teams.

Now, at age 42, Haslem is calling it a career. He’ll play his final regular season game Sunday at home against the Orlando Magic.

To honor the veteran, the Heat gathered well wishes from Haslem’s teammates, past and present, in an emotional video tribute. The team warned, “You’re gonna need tissues handy for this one.”

Former teammate LeBron James said, “To be with you, to fight with you, to go in the foxhole with you every single night was a treat to me, man.”

“If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t have gotten that first championship in Miami,” said Shaquille O’Neal.

Haslem’s career stats (7.5 points, 6.6 rebounds per game) don’t begin to measure his impact as a teammate and friend, as the above tributes testify.

NBA fans applauded Haslem’s remarkable career.

[Miami Heat]

About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.

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