As expected, Udonis Haslem, who is among the most popular veteran players in the NBA, has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball.
The Heat’s gatekeeper spent his entire 20 season long career with the Miami Heat, and won three NBA championships (2006, 2012, 2013) in the process. Haslem joined Kobe Bryant (20) and Dirk Nowitzki (21), as the only players in history to have played 20+ season for one franchise.
“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…
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 ✌️❤️⚓️”
Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an
Despite being a shell of his old self, the Heat have been more than willing to give Haslem a contract year after year, as they understood his importance to the team by being a respected veteran, emotional leader and a good locker room player. It is more than likely that Haslem will remain within the franchise in a new and different role.
