The NBA Playoffs have officially begun. And as we bid farewell to the regular season, we are also saying goodbye to beloved Miami Heat legend Udonis Haslem. The veteran player made the announcement after the game against the Orlando Magic on Sunday. South Beach’s senior-most OG recently explained how the famous ‘Heat Culture’ superseded everything in the team, even the shenanigans of superstars like LeBron James.

The veteran star has been a part of the franchise for 20 seasons and according to him, it was one of his biggest desires. Haslem wanted to play 20 seasons to prove to everyone who once thought he could not play in the league for a prolonged period. The 42-year-old recently revealed some intriguing details about his experience in the Heat organization. 

Udonis Haslem reveals that he was never intimidated by big names 

The three-time NBA champion credits his successful long run in the league to Miami’s team philosophy, the famous ‘Heat’ culture. When asked what it means during a recent interview with GQ Sports, Haslem called it a “lifestyle”. He further added, “You can’t just tap in when the season start and tap back out when it’s over. That’s how yo a** get hurt next year in training camp. You pretty much have to stay in shape year around…Heat Culture is discipline, accountability, work ethic and enjoying somebody else’s success.”

While Haslem himself has not played a lot for the team over the last few years, his mentoring and experiential presence has been a big part of the locker room culture in the team. He owns his seniority and claims that, “When you come to Miami, you need me [laughs]. No matter what. I don’t care who you are or who you working with. You need me when you come to this city.”

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Taking an indirect dig at big name superstars with expensive contracts like Lebron James, Haslem called himself the OG, “It [doesn’t] have to be the guy who’s paid the most. We teach leadership at all levels here… when you step in the Heat locker room you fall in line with OG. I wasn’t given that, I earned that.”

LeBron James had the ultimate brother-in-arms message for Haslem

King James played with Haslem for 4 years, alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. LeBron, along with other NBA stars, like Shaquille O’Neal, Juwan Howard, Shane Battier and Goran Dragic shared heartfelt messages for Haslem in a tribute video.

The Akron Hammer said “You’re the heartbeat man, of Miami man.” He also added, “To Be With You, To Fight With You… was a treat to me, man.” Former teammate Dwyane Wade and others shared heartfelt messages for the legend.

We are sure the Miami Heat team thanks Udonis for his guidance all these years, his presence surely did make a difference.

WATCH THIS STORY: “To Be With You, to Fight With You”: LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade and Several NBA Legends Shower the “Heartbeat” of the Heat With Love