Miami Heat veteran center Udonis Haslem has revealed he did not speak to president Pat Riley during his first two years with the team.
Haslem joined the Heat as an undrafted rookie in 2003 but is headed into his 20th year as part of the roster, with Riley confirming the player, who the team refers to as its “O.G,” will remain with the team and have his number retired at some point.
The gutsy 42-year-old is known to never back down from a challenge but admits he was intimidated by Riley’s aura when he first came to Miami. “I ain’t never been afraid of no man, but I think the first two years with the Miami Heat, I ain’t even speak to Pat,” he said in an interview with The Boadroom, going on to explain how he and Riley have similar personalities.
Haslem is a three-time champion with the Heat and is an indispensable part of the squad due to his leadership and veteran influence. While his minutes have declined sharply over the years, Haslem remains a cornerstone of Heat Culture and is one of the most important members on the roster.
