This Udonis Haslem Quote Describing The Miami Heat Culture Will Want To Make You Run Through A Brick Wall
J Pat Carter. Shutterstock Images.After 19 seasons with the Miami Heat, Udonis Haslem had a decision to make: return to the bench for one more year, or call it a career as an NBA player. On Sunday afternoon, we got our answer:
Mr. 305 is back! This is fantastic news for the Miami Heat, as the core comes back hungry to make another run towards the NBA Finals. While Haslem barely played last season (13 games, 6.4 MPG), his impact can be felt by what his presence in the locker room is. When you think of Heat Culture, you think of Udonis Haslem. Take a look at what he had to say during yesterday's press conference on what the Heat Culture means to him…
"This ain't no damn charity case. This is a sacrifice. I'm sacrificing for the next generation.
You know, as the bearer of Heat culture, I take it serious. It's not a game. It's not a joke. I know people talk about it. People, they may have this stigma on what it is and what it's not. But it's real. It is real. The culture is real. The culture has saved very many guys, not just me.
When you look at tall these undrafted guys, these guys who were on their way out of the league and people didn't believe in them and people didn't give them an opportunity, the culture saved them. That's why I come back. Because I've watched the culture saved so many like it saved me.
That's what it is, for the people that don't get it and don't understand. Because people can't get outside of themselves. Culture has saved me. And I want to continue to be a part of the culture of saving people that come after me."
This 20th season in the NBA with the Heat is happening after Haslem discussed making it to this point in his career with his late father. This last dance is for his dad for his city of Miami.
