MIAMI – Udonis Haslem is the definition of “Heat Culture” and 21 years later, he will now join only four other players in franchise history to have his jersey number retired.
Haslem will receive one of the top honors in team history when his No. 40 jersey is retired Friday night when the Heat play the Atlanta Hawks at the Kaseya Center at 8 p.m.
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Haslem, who joined the Heat in 2003 as an undrafted free agent, never figured he would win three NBA championships and go down as one of the most beloved players in franchise history.
Haslem joins an impressive list of Heat players with their jersey retired. It includes Dwyane Wade, Alonzo Mourning, Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Hardaway and Chris Bosh.
Haslem retired last season after spending his entire 20-year NBA career with the Heat, accumulating three NBA Championships, seven Eastern Conference Championships, 12 Divisional Titles, 16 postseason appearances, having never missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons, and was an NBA All-Rookie Second Team selection.
He is one of only three players in NBA history to play at least 20 years with one franchise, joining only Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki.
On Friday, Heat center Bam Adebayo weighed in on Haslem’s career and shared how much he meant to the 305.
Bam Adebayo on Udonis Haslem jersey retirement night:
— Will Manso (@WillManso) January 19, 2024
“I hope he gets emotional tonight. I hope he sheds a tear.”
Says they’re so used to tough UD, but they want to see him let loose. pic.twitter.com/i4Ij7Ksdjb
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino also paid tribute to Haslem by lighting up their guitar Thursday night to congratulate Haslem on his historic career.
Tonight the Heat will retire @ThisIsUD No. 40. Last night the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was lit up to congratulate UD.
— Will Manso (@WillManso) January 19, 2024
(🎥 @HardRockHolly) pic.twitter.com/wC3zPBXIeX
Haslem finished his career as a 16-time captain for the Heat, the most in team history, and finished as the franchise’s all-time leader in offensive, defensive and total rebounds, becoming the only undrafted player in NBA history to become their team’s all-time rebound leader, according to NBA.com.
Haslem, a Miami native, recently returned to his beloved franchise as the team’s Vice President of Basketball Development where his responsibilities include being a resource to the coaching staff, mentoring both Heat and Skyforce players, as well as representing the organization in the community and in business endeavors.
When Haslem retired, he left the fans, organization and former teammates a heartfelt message on his Instagram page:
Miami Heat fans are encouraged to leave their favorite “UD” moment in the comment section below.