Former Miami Heat Player Gary Payton Speaks On The Importance Of Udonis Haslem

Gary Payton says Udonis Haslem plays a huge role on the Miami Heat

In a bittersweet moment for Miami Heat fans, Udonis Haslem announced his retirement at the end of this season. 

Haslem's retirement was met with an outpouring of gratitude and admiration from fans, teammates, and opponents. With a career spanning 20 seasons, all spent with the Heat, Haslem established himself as one of the most respected and iconic figures in franchise history. His loyalty, work ethic, and leadership made him a fan favorite and earned him respect from peers.

Haslem’s former teammate Gary Payton talked about his career and potentially going out with another ring.

“For Udonis to be with one team for 20 years and stick with them and Pat Riley giving him an opportunity. He could have gone to other places and got bigger money, but he said no, and stayed in his hometown of Miami, doing what he had to do for that team. With him being a big brother to all the kids over there is a big thing,” Payton said while promoting the Miami HEAT Bandwagon celebration in partnership with STARRY ahead of game three of the Finals.

“You need a veteran presence like that that can always keep you humble [and know how things work]. I am very happy for him to be in the finals and have an opportunity to win the finals and go out that way. Same thing with me, I wanted to do the same thing, and I did it with the Miami Heat. I think he deserves it; he stayed over there and did what he had to and was humble with it, but he’s never going to back down from nothing. He always going to protect his teammates, and I’m glad the Miami Heat gave him gives him respect to do that.”