As the 2022-23 NBA season came to a close, the story of the Miami Heat this year has been truly sensational. The team barely stayed afloat in the regular season and managed to land as the 8th seed just ahead of the postseason. Additionally, to top it all, they almost clinched the title in the Finals. As the team signed off from the season with a still-positive outlook, the Heat’s Udonis Haslem’s retirement came as a surprise. Following that, a Heat legend got emotional as he poured his heart out for the 43-year-old during the team’s exit press conference. 

Haslem ended his 20-season-long career solely representing the Heat franchise after his team’s unfortunate loss in the NBA Finals. As a mark of respect for his commitment to the franchise, the management retired his jersey No.40 and former Heat stars attended his farewell game. Moreover, during the team’s exit press conference, a Heat legend narrated a heartfelt story involving Udonis.

Miami Heat legend got emotional during the press conference

Miami Heat president Pat Riley addressed the press during the team’s exit meeting for the season. During the interaction, he spoke about various affairs regarding the Heat and finally addressed Udonis Haslem’s retirement. While highlighting the impact that Haslem left on the team, Riley emotionally revealed an incident from March 2020.

He said, “I found out my brother died… I felt this hand on my shoulder, and that was UD. He said, ‘I got you.’” He added, “He is special, unique and we are gonna miss him.” 

Riley narrated the incident ‌as he held back his tears. 

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As Riley and Udonis have spent over two decades with the Heat, the duo shares a lot of respect and love for each other. Interestingly, however, Haslem initially held back for two years, before he opened up to Riley. 

Haslem got intimidated by Riley’s looks

Pat Riley always sported a slicked-back hair look ever since his stint as the Heat’s head coach began in 1995. When Haslem joined the franchise, he refused to interact with Riley because of his looks. In a 2022 interview, Haslem revealed, “I ain’t never been afraid of no man but I think the first two years with the Miami Heat I didn’t speak to Pat. It was just uncomfortable, the slicked back hair.” 

According to NBC, the veteran baller even compared Riley’s look to Marlon Brando’s look in the American classic film, The Godfather. However, after that, the duo went on to make history for the franchise with their loyalty for over two decades. 

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What do you make of Pat Riley’s emotional story about his brother involving Udonis Haslem? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.