Udonis Haslem is thankful for those who became a part of his special night last Sunday, as he played the last regular season game of his 20-year career.
Haslem turned back the hands of time and was granted the full green light by the Miami Heat to perform at his best at 42 years of age against the Orlando Magic. Eventually, the franchise legend led the way with his 24 points, which includes a career-high three treys made to take down the Magic, 123-110.
With this, Haslem sits alone as the first 42-year-old cager to deliver a 24-point output and higher in a single game. He also shot a consistent 9-for-17 in the game.
“Whether I was starting, whether I was the first guy off the bench, or whether I didn’t play at all, you guys always had my back and showed love,” Haslem said, via Ira Winderman of South Florida Sun-Sentinel. “For me, that’s priceless. That’s beautiful. And that’s why it made it all so easy, just to sacrifice everything.”
Haslem, who is set to retire following this 2022-23 season, was serenaded by Heat fans within the newly-named Kaseya Center. Prior to tip-off, the beloved veteran was presented with a special rocking chair to honor his farewell tour for the club.
Haslem is slated to leave the Heat franchise after joining them as an undrafted free agent in the 2003-2004 season, helping them to clinch three NBA titles in six Finals appearances.
“People talk about Hall of Fame careers, but they don’t talk about role-player careers and what they mean for the team and for the franchise,” Dwyane Wade said, who watched the last dance of Haslem’s career on weekend against the Magic.
