Udonis Haslem Recalls The Moment He Realized That His Career Was Over

For two decades, Udonis Haslem embodied the toughness that the Miami Heat franchise prided itself on. Eventually, though, Father Time caught up with the grizzled veteran, who willingly decided to call it a career.

During a recent discussion on Prime’s “NBA Nightcap,” the three-time NBA champion recalled the moment when he realized that retirement was the best option. That moment involved a certain seven-foot center who joined the Heat in 2014.

“It was around the time we got Hassan Whiteside,” Haslem said. “I was like, ‘Ain’t no way in hell he’s getting my minutes.’ I didn’t know he can grab the rim and keep his feet on the ground.” 

Haslem, who was a 34-year-old, 12-year pro at that time, was determined to keep his spot in Erik Spoelstra’s rotation. After all, he’d just fought fierce wars in back-to-back trips to the NBA Finals. However, his physical limitations ran right into the massive frame of the 25-year-old Whiteside.

“I could not get a rebound on this guy. When I saw that, I was like, ‘It’s time for me to go,’” Haslem shared.

Whiteside ended up spending five seasons in South Beach and was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers prior to the 2019-20 season. As for Haslem, he wrapped up his second decade with the Heat in 2023, becoming just the third player in NBA history to play 20 years for a single franchise.

As far as numbers are concerned, Whiteside was more prolific, averaging 14.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game in his Miami stint. Haslem’s career stats (7.5 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 0.3 bpg) may not be as impressive, but he made his mark in an entirely different way.

Whenever the Heat needed a morale boost or a stern reprimand, it was Haslem who made his voice heard. A Miami native through and through, the 6-foot-7 workhorse proudly wore his loyalty on his sleeve and never backed down from anyone challenging the team’s might. 

When former Heat star Jimmy Butler got into a heated argument with Spoelstra back in 2022, Haslem stood his ground and sided with the coach who helped him acquire three rings. Butler had a bitter departure from Miami earlier this year, but in Haslem’s case, only the inevitable curtain call in any athlete’s career could tear him apart from his beloved squad.

Shortly after his retirement in 2023, Haslem accepted the Heat’s invitation to become vice president of basketball development. These days, he juggles this front office role with appearances as a studio analyst for Prime’s NBA coverage. 

Haslem’s playing career is over beyond a shadow of a doubt, but just as he did during his playing career, he has found ways to make valuable contributions to the team that he loves and the fans that love him back.