Udonis Haslem will not retire this offseason and has announced his decision to return to the Miami Heat for a record 20th season.
Haslem made his decision public during his presence at his youth camp and revealed that this will be his final season as a professional.
Udonis Haslem announces he’s returning to the Heat for a 20th NBA season. Says he wants to follow through with what his dad wanted for him — to reach 20 seasons. pic.twitter.com/AfFb9IuF6x
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) August 21, 2022
The 42-year-old big man has spent his entire career with the Heat, joining Miami in 2003 and winning three NBA championships (2006, 2012, 2013).
Over the past few years, he has had a limited role in the rotation, but his locker room presence and mentorship are vital for Erik Spoelstra’s squad.
Udonis Haslem appeared in only 13 games last season and averaged 2.5 points and 1.9 rebounds. In his 872 career games, Haslem has averaged 7.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game.
Miami has reached the Eastern Conference Finals twice over the last three years and aims to return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2020.
Udonis Haslem added that this will be his final season. “One more year,” he said.
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) August 21, 2022