The Miami Heat (34-31) have had a disappointing season after entering the campaign hoping to make a deep playoff run in the Eastern Conference. That disappointment has not been enough to cloud one winning veteran's future plans.
While Udonis Haslem announced last summer that the 2022-23 season would be his final one, the NBA graybeard said earlier this week that he has been “losing sleep” over the Heat's up-and-down-play and that he is disappointed with the way his presumed final season has unfolded.
Whispers of any potential reversal on that retirement decision look to be off the mark, though. Haslem told Anthony Chiang of the 'Miami Herald' on Sunday that he has had no second thoughts about his intentions for the future.
“I’m done. I’m done no matter what happens,” Haslem said. “I gave my contribution. I think at this stage, there needs to be another voice for these guys. It’s time for somebody to step up and be the voice.”
Haslem, who has spent his entire 20-year NBA career in Miami, will ride into the sunset having won at least three NBA titles (don't hold your breath for No. 4). It would not be a surprise to see him return to an NBA sideline as a coach in the future, as Haslem is well-respected around the league and already speaks with the veteran wisdom of someone who has been around the sport for a long, long time.
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