This time it’s the right one… After 20 years in the NBA, and as he turns 43 in two months, Udonis Haslem will play its last game of the regular season tonight. It’s at home against the Magic, and after dedicating a forum in the hall to him, the leaders have reserved a tribute video for him made up of messages from Heat players, past and present. A clip that will oblige “to take tissues” warns the franchise.
For Shaquille O’Neal, the Heat’s first title owes a lot to the veteran: “If it hadn’t been for you, we wouldn’t have won that first championship in Miami”. For LeBron James, “it was a treat to be with you, to fight by your side every night”.
Considered the “pulse” of Miami, Haslem is the third player in history after Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki to play 20 years for the same franchise. He is also the only undrafted player to be the best rebounder in a franchise, but also the only one to be captain for 15 years!