Micky Arison acquired the Miami Heat from his father Ted. Only under Micky, however, did the franchise soar to historic highs. His biggest move? Acquiring Pat Riley. In doing so, Arison laid the foundation for one of the most prolific teams in the NBA. He and Riley were the first ones to make the trip to convince Udonis Haslem to return this season. The importance of a former player’s voice was never lost on the owner.

While a lot of factors played a part in the Heat’s Game 7 victory, Udonis Haslem is at the top of it. During his tenure, the Heat have won 3 championships and reached the Finals an additional 4 times. While you could argue about his on-court impact, the off-court contributions are impossible to ignore.

Udonis Haslem is the Player Coach you Need

UD made waves with several comments today when he expressed his thoughts on Heat Culture, franchise ownership, and the differences between him and a-Lebron James. While he understood the role of coaches and the like, UD stated that the allure of moving into a Dwayne Wade-esque ownership role was more suited to him. Furthermore, in his conversation with Marc J. Spears for  Andscape, Haslem explained the importance he had in the Miami locker and his dynamics with the front office.

To him, a multi-billionaire probably could not understand the plight of a young player coming out of college. While not referencing Arison directly, Haslem alluded to this disconnect between franchise owners and players, He said, “So, for me, there’s a disconnect between this generation and front offices and coaches. Rightfully so. It’s not a bad thing, but the players are getting younger. ”

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UD further expressed his own struggles in making it to the league and how that journey has helped him in understanding other players.

“I Lost Both My Parents”: NBA’s Oldest Active Player’s Brutal Reality Check Could Help Jimmy Butler and Younger Miami Heat Teammates

While he has been a mainstay of the organization, the Heat has seen many role players and undrafted players flourish.

J. Cole’s pupil snubbed for ECF MVP?

We all know the story by now. After Caleb Martin was waived by the Charlotte Hornets, J. Cole reached out to the Miami Heat, urging them to sign the young kid. Perhaps the best example of UD and Heat Culture, Martin is a household name today. In Game 7, Caleb was the best player on the floor and even made Jimmy Butler draw the ire of the basketball world for not winning ECF MVP.UD and his opinions might have found a living embodiment with Caleb Martin. Amongst everyone, Haslem, and Heat Culture, shined the brightest. And now, immortality awaits.

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