Udonis Haslem announced his departure from the league in July of this year, after spending his illustrious career of 20 years with the Heat.
During that time, Haslem wrote a touching message on Instagram, saying that he feels very fortunate to be able to walk away from the game without any regrets.
Social media was flooded with messages of support and farewells to the Heat power forward/center, essentially stating that he will forever be remembered for his dedication to the organization.
Forever a #HEATLegend ⚓️ pic.twitter.com/zb79Rm4bG4
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) July 28, 2023
Haslem rejoins Heat as an executive
But it seems that Haslem’s time with the heat just wasn’t up. This week, the franchise announced that they have hired Haslem as the Vice President of Basketball Development.
In a post, the Heat summarized Haslem’s new role with the organization.
Via Miami Heat: OG is now a VP! UD has joined the front office as Vice President, Basketball Development – responsibilities including being a resource to the coaching staff, mentoring both HEAT & Skyforce players as well as representing the organization in the community & in business endeavors.
OG is now a VP! UD has joined the front office as Vice President, Basketball Development – responsibilities including being a resource to the coaching staff, mentoring both HEAT & Skyforce players as well as representing the organization in the community & in business endeavors. pic.twitter.com/yt7qEJ5TRn
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) November 7, 2023
Having two decades of experience in the league, Haslem perfectly fits the role. Even though there were times when Haslem was outshoned by his colleagues, this doesn’t mean that the former player had no accomplishments; in fact, he had many.
This includes setting the team records for offensive rebounds (1,615), defensive rebounds (4,176), and total rebounds (5,791), as per USA Today. He was also part of the Heat’s championship team in 2006, 2012, and 2013.
Haslem has also participated in 879 regular-season games, seven Eastern Conference championships and averaged 7.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game.
In a statement, Miami Heat Pat Riley also said that Haslem Haslem has been a crucial component of the team’s success for the past two decades.
“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, as per NBA.com. “It’s great that he has chosen to continue to build on his incredible legacy here in Miami, where he belongs.”
Coach Erik Spoelstra was likewise enthusiastic of Haslem’s return, stating that the former player essentially embodies what the Heat culture is about
“If you tried to explain our culture, you’d just show highlights of UD,” Spoelstra said, “not only in games, but if you could find just footage of him on the practice court, or of mentoring when no one else is in the gym, but somebody needs to do extra conditioning.
“I love having him in the gym; I love having him in the locker room. I love having him in any kind of role,” he added.
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