On Friday night, the NBA Finals will get back underway, with the Miami Heat hoping to get a win over the Denver Nuggets at the Kayesa Center to even the series at two games apiece before heading back to the Mile High City for Game 5.
One player that hopes the team can get back into this series and eventually come out with a fourth NBA title in the franchise’s history is veteran forward Udonis Haslem, who is playing in the final games of his long playing career.
Haslem has already let it be known that he will be retiring after this season comes to an end and will head into tonight’s game in Miami being one year older, according to NBA Central.
Happy 43rd birthday to Udonis Haslem ! pic.twitter.com/6ss543uJ0s
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 9, 2023
Few players can stand the test of time in the NBA like Haslem has done, as he has become the veteran leader on this team, even though he rarely sees the floor these days.
Haslem has been a part of all three championship teams for the Heat, playing alongside Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Ray Allen before suiting up with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
Perhaps the craziest part of Haslem’s longevity and success is that he was undrafted and still made a name for himself with three NBA titles to his credit during his time with the Heat franchise.
Although Haslem won’t be mentioned in the same breath as the names above, he has left his mark on the franchise and will be an essential part of the team’s history long after he retires this year.
NEXT: Shannon Sharpe Makes His Game 4 Prediction for Nuggets, Heat
