The announcement broke Friday afternoon that the Miami Heat will retire Udonis Haslem’s jersey. The choice was swiftly mocked by NBA fans, who did not like it as much as everyone had hoped.
On January 19, Haslem’s jersey will reportedly be retired. The Atlanta Hawks, with Trae Young, are scheduled to take on the Miami Heat that evening. Some fans have voiced their disapproval of the decision to retire Haslem’s jersey, claiming that he is just another average player whose number should be retired.
Says one devoted follower:
“The most unremarkable retirement jersey ever worn. But it was also well-deserved.
Some of the most popular responses on X are as follows:
The 2003 season saw Udonis Haslem’s debut with the Heat, following his undrafted status. He managed to win a roster position for himself, which he would maintain for twenty years.
Haslem was able to play on three championship teams and share the court with legends like Dwyane Wade and LeBron James throughout his 20 years with the team.
Less than a year after making the decision to retire, Haslem has retired his jersey. He made seven appearances for the Heat last year and scored 24 points in the final game of the regular season.
Haslem also broke records last year by playing in the NBA Finals at the age of 38. Against the Denver Nuggets in Game 3, Miami brought him in for 29 seconds as a substitute.
Would the Miami Heat be remiss not to retire Udonis Haslem’s jersey?
Udonis Haslem was just a mediocre player, but that won’t stop many from thinking he deserves to have his jersey retired. Teams owe it to their loyal members, particularly in this day and age where players are always looking for a new opportunity, to recognize and reward those who have been there for them for so long.
When it comes to the Miami Heat, Haslem is considered a legend. Throughout his 20-year career, he was a member of the last three championship-winning Heat teams and appeared in approximately 900 games.
The rock-solid culture of the Heat is the most recognizable feature of the team. Thanks to Haslem and others like him, it was able to remain strong. He continued to make an influence off the field even when his playing time diminished.
Maybe the present Heat wouldn’t have been as successful over the last four years if he hadn’t inculcated Heat culture into them.
Udonis Haslem has received nothing but appreciation from Heat fans during his tenure with the team. It seems fitting that the organization would choose to commemorate him in this way, considering the amount of time he stayed.