The number 40 of the shirt corresponding to Udonis Haslem already hangs from the top of the Kaseya Center. Tonight it was removed by the Miami Heat at halftime of the game that pitted the Heat against the Hawks, a game that Atlanta won 108-109 with a new triumphant basket from Dejounte Murraythis time a triple scored with 2 seconds left.
But let’s focus on the tribute to Haslem, because it can be said that it is a rare case for a player who averages 7.5 points and 6.6 rebounds with a team to see his jersey retired.
Yes, Haslem’s case is much more than special: he was born in Miami, grew up in Miami, played basketball at a Miami high school, was a college student at the University of Florida and then played for 20 years in the Miami Heat, the only team for the one who played as a professional. It is an entire trajectory linked to his land, without leaving it.
In those 20 years, Haslem was never an All-Star or anything like it, the most that needs to be scratched on an individual level is his entry into the All-Rookie Second Team in 2004 after not having been drafted and the fact that He is currently the leading rebounder in franchise history.
Haslem, who retired at the age of 43, his current age, was also the oldest player to play for the Miami Heat, and in his 20 years in the franchise he reached 6 Finals and won 3 NBA championship rings, participating of the club’s golden years.
His last 7 years in Miami were rather testimonial on a sporting level – he played only 65 regular league games – but they were not in terms of weight in the locker room and ascendancy over teammates and coaches.
All this personal wealth has been revealed in an emotional ceremony in which there have been no shortage of words from the club’s president, the everlasting Pat Rileynor the presence of 3 players with jerseys retired by Heat: Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway y Dwyane Wade. The other 3 are Chris Bosh, Shaquille O’Neal y Michael Jordanalthough he never played in Miami.
Haslem’s former teammates were also actively present at the event, such as Shane Battier, Mario Chalmers, Goran Dragic o Jason Williamsamong others.
Magical night for a Heat legend, for a player tremendously loved by the franchise and its fans.
2024-01-20 05:15:20
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