Despite originally declaring his plans to retire at the end of the season, veteran Heat forward Udonis Haslem is now undecided on his future, according to Shandel Richardson of The Athletic.
“I’m not 100 percent sure I’m done,” Haslem said. “I know I said I had nothing else to prove. It’s coming close but, man, I still have so much to give. … We’ll see. I’m going to talk to [Heat CEO] Nick Arison and talk to the guys and just weigh my options. I’ve still got the fire to burn. I’ve still got something to contribute.”
Haslem has only played in four games with the Heat this season, logging 15 minutes in total. He has spent his entire 16-season career with the organization, dating back to his first contract in the summer of 2003.
Haslem previously claimed he had “nothing left to do” in an interview with Basketball Insiders’ David Yapkowitz last month, making clear his intentions to retire with longtime teammate Dwyane Wade once the season ends.
“They [Wade and Haslem] don’t have to make their decisions together,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “UD means so much to our culture, particularly when he’s in uniform, and that’s not dependent on how many minutes he’s playing in a game. I would love for him to come back. If that means we have to let everything just kind of settle after the season, give him a little bit of time and then we can put on our recruiting hats again. When free agency starts, he’ll be No. 1 on my list.”
Haslem is expected to discuss a possible return with the Heat this summer once the team chooses a direction in free agency, according to Richardson, who adds that the team would welcome him back for another season.
Haslem, 38, holds career-averages of 7.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 25.3 minutes as the Heat’s all-time leading rebounder with 5,717 boards. He won NBA championships with the team in 2006, 2012 and 2013.
Udonis seems like a good guy, but I don’t know how the Heat can rationalize utilizing a roster spot for him. If he’s got fire left to burn, do it on the coaching staff. Playing 15 mins before the All Star break is less than most rookies.
Of course hes got fire left to burn he’s played about a half hour in the last 3 years
Haslem: “I ain’t gonna retire if they keep paying me for these front row seats”
Exactly! His statements translated mean, “If these mf’s are dumb enough to continue to pay me to sit here, watch games, pat some backs, take part in 3-man weaves and shooting in practice, hell yeah I’ll be here another year.”
If he watched his own film, he’d realize he’s done. But if they’re willing to continue paying him, then why not continue playing.
just give up and join the Big3