Udonis Haslem Has the Perfect Response To ESPN Analytics Giving Miami Heat A Three Percent Chance Of Defeating Boston Celtics

Udonis Haslem says he's not a fan of NBA analytics, especially after ESPN's prediction against Boston Celtics

The Miami Heat have probably gotten used to the disrespect from the media. But even this latest display was too much, as the ESPN analytics team gave them a three percent chance of winning the series against the Boston Celtics.

Though if you ask Heat veteran Udonis Haslem, these analysts don’t seem to faze them.

“I’m sure the assalytics, assaholycs, or whatever they call themselves, probably didn’t have us beating Milwaukee either in the first round,” Haslem said on the Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz.

The Heat were big underdogs against the Bucks in the opening round, with some anticipating a gentleman’s sweep after Miami squeaked into the playoffs. They ended up winning in five games before eliminating the New York Knicks in the conference semifinals.

It won’t be easy against Boston, the new favorites to win the NBA title. The All-Star tandem of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are difficult to defend, let alone counter. They also have to worry about Derrick White, Malcolm Brogdon and Marcus Smart, guards who can score consistently and provide complementary defense. The size of Al Horford and Robert Williams III are tough for Miami to navigate as well.

Then again, there were many talking points in favor of Milwaukee in the first round that ended up not coming to fruition. The Heat elevated their game in the playoffs, especially Jimmy Butler. Haslem said he’s never let the analytics get to his head.

“I’m sure the assalytics probably didn’t have me sitting here with three rings and the leading rebounder in Heat history,” Haslem said. “I don’t listen to them.”

The Celtics may unfortunately be the latest victims of Miami’s rampage.

Jayden Armant is a contributor to Inside the Heat. He is a student at Howard University. He can be reached at jayden.armant@bison.howard.edu or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.