Miami Heat Forward Udonis Haslem The 42-year-old is returning to the NBA for his 20th season. The announcement was made Sunday at the Miami basketball camp by the 42-year old.
“I have decided I would follow through with what my father and I had discussed. I will finish what we started and play 20 years,” Haslem, who was seated at the Miami High court’s midcourt. “I will play this season, because I discussed that with my dad and that’s exactly what we promised to do. It won’t be easy. It won’t always be so easy. The goal is the same. Win. You will win a championship. Keep your head high after it’s over.
The Haslem deal is for one-year and is worth $2.9million. Miami extended the offer almost two months ago and then waited for Haslem’s decision between returning to retirement or going back to work.
Haslem, a beloved Heat player, admitted that he wasn’t sure if he would return for another season.
Erik Spoelstra, Heat coach, has repeatedly noted the impact Haslem’s leadership and presence has had on his team over the years.
Haslem joins Kobe Bryant legends, with the Los Angeles Lakers Dirk Nowitzki, the Dallas MavericksAccording to ESPN Stats and Information research, they are the only NBA players to have ever played more than 20 seasons with a single team.
Haslem is a three time NBA champion with Miami. He is also the franchise’s alltime leader in rebounding. He has signed 11 contracts with the Heat. This is his seventh consecutive deal with the Heat.
His father, Johnnie Haslem, died Aug. 30, 2021. Udonis Hazelm spent two weeks away from Heat for the start of camp last year and the preseason while grieving. He stated that not having both his parents still living forced him to reevaluate many items in the past twelve months.
Haslem explained, “Even at age 42, if you look around, and you don’t have both your parents, it can be confusing.” It can be confusing. … I have never been more clear than now. It was just a matter of clearing the air.
Haslem was also the oldest player to have appeared in both of the NBA seasons. He was able to play in 13 games last season with Miami, scoring 2.5 points per game and grabbing 1.9 rebounds. He averaged 7.5 points per game and 6.6 rebounds over his first 19 seasons. He played sparingly in the last six years.
This report was compiled by the Associated Press.