Miami Heat’s legend Udonis Haslem will have his No. 40 jersey retired by the franchise. The retirement ceremony will be held on January 19 at the halftime of the game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Haslem will become just the sixth player in Heat history to receive this honor. He will join Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway, Shaquille O’Neal, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade.
Miami's very own is going up in the rafters ⚓️
Celebrate with us a night 20 years in the making as we retire @ThisIsUD's jersey – https://t.co/Y0Kv9dei96 pic.twitter.com/9uZL7xPqKe
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) December 22, 2023
Haslem spent all of his 20 seasons in the NBA with the Heat. Only Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers) and Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks) spent as many or more years with the same franchise.
During his time with the Heat, Haslem won three NBA titles while serving as the team’s locker room leader. He retired after the 2022–23 NBA season, having averaged 7.5 points and 6.6 rebounds during his time as a pro.
Haslem remained with the Heat after his retirement and currently serves as the franchise’s vice president of basketball development.
“It’s about a great legacy, a Thank You moment that has been earned over 20 years of being an incredible championship player and, most importantly, the best leader,” said Heat’s president Pat Riley in a team-released statement. “He’s going to have his day, and I can’t wait to see his jersey hang in the rafters.”
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