Heat hire franchise legend to front-office role

Udonis Haslem is returning to the Miami Heat. 

The 20-year NBA veteran retired at the end of last season, and will now be taking on a role in the front office. He has officially been signed as vice president of basketball development.

"Among his new Heat duties: working with the coaching staff, mentoring both Heat players and those assigned to the team’s G League affiliate in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and representing the organization in the community," reported the AP's Tim Reynolds.

Haslem spent his entire career on South Beach, making 879 regular-season appearances and 149 playoff appearances. Haslem won three rings during his tenure with the team. He is a Miami native and is widely viewed as an integral foundation of what's become known as "Heat culture." 

By hiring Haslem as an executive, Pat Riley is creating a connection between the players and coaches and the front office. Haslem is respected around the league. He will be the ideal go-between for players and coaches. There's not much difference in his new role and the one he comprised during the final years of his career. 

Still, the decision to offer Haslem a way to stay with the franchise is a nice touch. Miami rewards a player for staying loyal to the team that drafted him in 2003. Haslem's experience will be invaluable to Miami's developmental system. He's been a starter, a role player and a bench asset during his career, allowing him to relate to players at different stages of their careers and in different roles. Furthermore, he will be a sounding board for the coaching staff when evaluating G-League talent. 

Haslem enjoyed a successful tenure in the NBA. Now, in the next phase of his career, he will likely be looking to parlay that success into his front office role. 

There's no reason why he won't thrive.