Several former Miami Heat players offer tribute to Udonis Haslem ahead of final regular-season home game

Udonis Haslem has been a staple for the Miami Heat for the past 20 seasons. The Miami native and former Florida Gator became a fan favorite in that time and was a member of three NBA Finals-winning teams.

But at 42 years old, Haslem is finally ready to retire after this season. As he prepares for his final regular-season home game on Easter Sunday against the Magic, several former Heat players teamed up for a video tribute to Haslem.

Players in the video include LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O’Neal, Mike Miller, Shane Battier and many others. You can view the tribute below.

You're gonna need tissues handy for this one 🥹

Ahead of @ThisIsUD's final game his teammates from all eras of his 20 year career have nothing but love for OG pic.twitter.com/YjrE7wvkc5

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) April 8, 2023

“You the heartbeat of Miami, man,” James said in the video. “…To be with you, To fight with you. To go into the foxhole with you every single night was a treat to me. Heat nation will never ever forget what you brought to this franchise.”

Haslem started off his career on a strong note by being named second team All-Rookie in 2003-04. He went on to become a regular starter over the next five seasons and won the first championship of his career in 2006 with O’Neal, Wade and Gary Payton, who was also included in the video.

Haslem moved to the bench in the 2009-10 season and was a key member of the rotation when James won his first NBA title in 2012. He went on to start 59 games the next season in 2012-13, including several in the playoffs, as the Heat repeated as champions.

That was one of the final seasons in which he was a regular contributor as he has appeared in just 64 games over the past seven seasons. Although he hasn’t played much lately, Udonis Haslem has maintained an integral role as a leader for the Heat and earned the respect of the countless teammates that have come and gone in his 20 seasons.

Haslem averaged 7.5 points and 6.6 rebounds across his career. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in rebounds (5,788) and ranks seventh in scoring (6,562 points).

Haslem has played only six games this season, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he were to take the court — and possibly even start — Sunday evening. For a player who went undrafted coming out of college in 2002, it would seem a fitting end to a long and legendary journey.

Tip-off for the game between Miami and Orlando is set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. Haslem is scheduled to speak to the Heat crowd before the game.