Mandatory Credit: SAM NAVARRO, USA TODAY SPORTS
Udonis Haslem is among the most popular veteran players in the NBA. He has been in the league for 20 seasons, all with the Miami Heat, joining Kobe Bryant (20) and Dirk Nowitzki (21), as the only players in history to have played 20+ season for one franchise.
Haslem is 42 years old and is already way past his playing days. As a matter of fact, before the start of this season, he had only appeared in only 18 games and has logged in just 7.2 minutes of playing time over the past three NBA seasons.
Despite being a shell of his old self, the Heat have been more than willing to give Haslem a contract again and again, as they understand his importance to the team by being a respected veteran, emotional leader and a good locker room player.
After this season however, the veteran will finally call it quits, so yesterday, Haslem got to play in his last regular season game. He did not disappoint and Haslem notched and impressive 24 points (9-17 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 3-3 FT), while adding three rebounds and one block. His 13 first quarter points were more points that he was able to collect in four of his last six seasons.
Ahead of the game, Haslem got quite the parting gift from the franchise. During a pre-game ceremony held for the three-time champion, his teammate Bam Adebayo presented the soon-to-be retiree with a pretty funny parting gift to commemorate all the jokes they’ve shared between each other – a Heat-themed rocking chair.
Bam Adebayo gifts Udonis Haslem a rocking chair ahead of his final regular season game. 🏀😂 pic.twitter.com/g5Wllfl6Gc
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) April 9, 2023
