Miami Heat's Udonis Haslem Always Ready For An Opportunity To Contribute

Haslem played meaningful minutes in Thursday's loss to Knicks

With backup center Orlando Robinson sidelined with an injury, Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra had two choices Thursday against the New York Knicks: Dewayne Dedmon or Udonis Haslem. 

Spoelstra went with Haslem, the reliable veteran for obvious reasons. 

"I actually planned on playing both of them," Spoelstra said. "But since it was Heat-Knicks, it was just very fitting I play UD. He gave us some good minutes. Whenever there is a chance to take a charge, he's going to be one of those guys in the mix." 

Haslem, in his 20th season, finished with two rebounds in 10 minutes. He gave the Heat valuable playing time off the bench as Bam Adebayo's backup while Dedmon got the DNP-CD. 

"It's small minutes but you never know what particular impact you can have on a game," Haslem said. "With small minutes, you've got to have an impact. I've got to make my presence felt. That was my first doing it. I'll get better with time." 

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Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat.

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