Udonis Haslem etched his name in the history books tonight. He became the sixth player to get his jersey retired by the Miami Heat franchise. The Heat hosted a jersey retirement ceremony for Haslem during Miami’s game against the Atlanta Hawks. Haslem was one of the cornerstones of the Miami Heat franchise for two decades and the captain of the team.

After his retirement last season, Bam Adebayo took the reins of the franchise from Haslem. However, Haslem hysterically stole credit for Adebayo’s leadership on his special night in Miami.

Udonis Haslem was not pleased with the reporter’s question

Haslem was asked what it meant to him when Bam Adebayo took the captaincy role from him. The Heat legend corrected the reporter immediately with a hysterical response, “Well, first of all, I gave it to him, he didn’t take it from me. Let’s clear that up. I didn’t like the way that sounded.” Haslem chuckled after his response and started praising Adebayo. “He earned it,” Udonis said. According to the legend, Miami’s “Heat Culture” forces the captain to prove his worth with his actions rather than words. So, the captain has to sacrifice more than his teammates and be selfless. Bam Adebayo has proven that he can do that.

It looks like Adebayo has been adjusting well to the leadership role. He is playing at an All-Star level this season, averaging 21.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1 steal. Adebayo has led Miami to the 6th spot in the Eastern Conference standings with a 24-17 record.

With the Heat re-signing head coach Erik Spoelstra to a historic 8-year over $120 million contract, Adebayo is looking to bring another Championship to the franchise this season.

Read More: Udonis Haslem Snubs Dwyane Wade and LeBron James in Bold Take About Heat Legacy

Bam Adebayo can follow in Udonis Haslem’s footsteps

If Bam continues to play this way and brings a championship to Miami, he might see his jersey hanging in the rafters someday, just like Haslem did tonight. The Miami Heat hosted a beautiful ceremony for Haslem that was attended by several Heat legends, including Dwyane Wade, Alonzo Mourning, and Tim Hardaway.

Haslem saw his Number 40 jersey going up in the rafters while the entire arena applauded the legend’s contribution to the franchise. Haslem played for the Miami Heat throughout his 20-year career.

Haslem helped the Heat win 3 Championships. Even during the later stages of his career, Haslem became the vocal leader of the team and guided young players. Haslem’s jersey now hangs in the rafters of the Miami Heat arena alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Hardaway, Alonzo Mourning, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade. Do you believe Bam Adebayo will join these Heat legends when it’s all said and done?

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