Udonis Haslem Gives Appreciation To Miami Heat, Teammates, Fans In Heartfelt Statement
Former Miami Heat player Udonis Haslem was always grateful for his opportunity in the NBA.
He went from undrafted to one of the most celebrated players in Heat history. After 20 years with the same team, he called it quits following this season. On Friday, he posted his appreciation on Instagram.
"20 years…it’s impossible to put into words what these past 20 years have meant, but y’all know me. I’m damn sure gonna try…," Haslem wrote. "I consider myself extremely blessed to say I can leave this game with no regrets. The championships, the accolades, the brotherhood, man it’s hard not to be at peace. Undrafted to a 3x Champion, All-Rookie 2nd Team, Teammate Of The Year, the oldest player to play in an NBA finals game, Miami Heat’s all-time leading rebounder and longest-tenured player, the list goes on…
Shout out to my Real #OGs, the teammates that let me be their #OG, and to my family for staying ten toes down through it all…🙏🏾 Although this journey has had its ups and downs, I am truly thankful and have no complaints at all… All the way down to leaving money on the table to stay in my city!! You, Miami, made it all worth it!! #three0five4life
I will always be the #OG, but now it’s time for the family man and the businessman to get to work…#realonesshineinthedark
#40, see you in the rafters soon. Until then, #OG out ✌🏾️❤️⚓️."
Haslem retired with three championship rings and as the franchise leader in rebounds. He closed his storybook career by scoring 24 points in his final regular season. He was a seldom-used bench player for most of the past five seasons, but the Heat allowed him to break loose in the finale.
Haslem is a lock to become the next Heat player to have his jersey retired, joining Alonzo Mourning, Shaquille O'Neal, Dwyane Wade, Tim Hardaway and Chris Bosh.
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