Udonis Haslem Gives The Scouting Report On Facing Hall Of Famer Karl Malone

Retired Miami Heat player Udonis Haslem talks about the physicality of facing Hall of Famer Karl Malone

Retired Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem was known as an enforcer during his playing days. 

But he had nothing on Hall of Famer Karl Malone, who spend most of his career with the Utah Jazz. During a recent appearance on his podcast with Mike Miller, The OG's Show, Haslem said there was always a warning when facing Malone. 

"I remember when we used to play against Karl Malone," Haslem said. "Remember we used to get together and [assistant coach Bob] McAdoo ... The first thing McAdoo used to say on the scouting report was protect yourself. What's that go to do with defense and shots?"

Udonis Haslem says the first thing on the scouting report vs Karl Malone is to ‘protect yourself’

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Haslem, who entered the league in 2003 didn't face Malone until he was late in his career. By then, he was playing with the Los Angeles Lakers after a perennial All-Star stint with the Jazz. Malone and John Stockton led them to consecutive NBA Finals appearance in 1997 and 1998. They lost twice to the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls. 

Still, Haslem said he was always cautious of facing Malone even later in his career. 

"He will knock your block with an elbow," Haslem said. "That's the first thing on the scouting report, not his sweet ass jumpshot, not none of his moves." 

Haslem was no slouch during his playing days, either. Last year he retired as the Heat's all-time leading rebounder. He spent all of his career in Miami after going undrafted out Florida. The Heat rewarded his accomplishments and loyalty by retiring his jersey last week. 

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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of Back In The Day NBA. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com