Mar 31, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra reacts during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

Superstar Or Not, Udonis Haslem Warns Incoming Players About Heat Culture

Originally posted on Miami Heat on SI | By Bryan Townes | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 4:44 PM ET

Despite two early first-round exits in the past two seasons, the Miami Heat’s Heat Culture is still the primary way they plan to achieve their most success.

On the Pat McAfee Show, Miami Heat legend Udonis Haslem explains why every star player for the franchise had to sacrifice for Heat Culture, and new stars will have to do the same for the team's betterment.

"Heat culture is always gonna be bigger than you..

It's not gonna be bigger than Pat Riley but it's gonna be bigger than you..

It's all about sacrificing" ~ @ThisIsUD #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/VwrfhkPqBW
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 11, 2025

“The thing about Heat Culture is that it’s about something that’s always going to be bigger than you,” Haslem explained. “That’s the first and foremost thing when you step into the Heat. Even for superstars, it’s going to be bigger than you. It ain’t going to be bigger than Riley, but it’s going to be bigger than you. So when you step into that arena, you understand you’re stepping into an atmosphere where you’re asked to sacrifice from the jump.”

“I understand what you did where you were at, Chris Bosh,” Haslem continued. “I understand what you did where you were, LeBron. I understand what you did when you were here, D-Wade. That doesn’t matter anymore. We all have to sacrifice.”

The structure and consistency of Heat Culture have made the team one of the most successful franchises in NBA history. With Jimmy Butler, the Heat finished with three Eastern Conference Finals appearances and two NBA Finals appearances. Without him, they will try to add another star to fill his role as the clear number one option. Whoever this player may be, they must prepare to sacrifice for Heat Culture.