Udonis Haslem is back.
The South Beach legend has announced he will return to Miami for his 20th season with the team. The news came after he took a brief moment to reflect on his future with his family.
Haslem’s impact on the squad is immeasurable. At 42, his contributions fall far more into the realm of coaching than playing, but his presence is so revered that Miami has promised him a roster spot for as long as he wants it.
And he decided to accept The Heat’s offer for another year.
In his announcement, Haslem stated that he made a commitment to his late father Johnnie to play at least 20 seasons and vowed to end his tenure with a heart for both his father and the city he has long called home . Miami originally signed Haslem in 2003 after he was undrafted by the University of Florida in 2002.
Haslem has won three titles with the Heat and is the all-time best rebounder. He currently ranks second in franchise history in games played and minutes played. The 15-time team captain became the oldest player to ever compete for the Heat and the fifth player in NBA history to play at least 19 seasons with the same team. He has career averages of 7.5 points and 6.6 rebounds.
Miami only has one roster spot left after Haslem’s return. He averaged 2.5 points and 1.9 rebounds in 13 appearances last season.
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