There are very few teams in the NBA that boast an enviable culture. The Miami Heat is among those rare teams that have thrived in the last two decades. One of the biggest reasons behind their success is the Heat culture that they’ve managed to curate within the organization. Additionally, there have been several great athletes who have represented the Miami franchise.

Dwyane Wade‘s name stands tall in the list of athletes who have played for the Heat. However, there is one more person who Wade believes is even more crucial for the rise of the Heat. Recently, D Wade’s wife Gabrielle Union expressed her pride in the “big brother” of the Heat, who also happens to be her 5-year-old daughter’s godfather.

Who is Heat’s “big brother”?

Udonis Haslem is often credited for playing a big role in the Heat’s success for over 20 years. He has been the person responsible to have managed the team behind the scenes. Several athletes from the franchise have revered him very highly in the past as well. Haslem clinched three NBA titles while playing his entire career for the Heat. In 2023 he announced his retirement, after which the internet was flooded with thank-you notes for the 43-year-old. In addition to his highly successful career, Mr Miami has also earned the respect of his peers.

Wade and Haslem, in particular, share a very special bond. Over the years, they have spoken highly of each other and Wade has said that he considers Haslem as his big brother in life. Apart from their good relationship on the court, the two also share a great bond off the court. In fact, when Wade’s daughter Kaavia was born five years ago, Haslem became her godfather. Recently, Gabrielle Union flexed the fact about Haslem by sharing a clip of him on her Instagram story which represented the fearless side of the Heat veteran. The story was further re-shared by Haslem as well.

Dwyane Wade’s comment on Udonis Haslem

Soon after Haslem announced his retirement from the league, Wade talked about his big brother. He said that there is nothing but respect and admiration in him for the Heat legend. Additionally, he also said that when Kaavia was born, it was a no-brainer for Wade and Gabrielle to choose Haslem as her godfather.

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In fact, he also said that his five-year-old daughter has “two fathers” and two people to look up to. Wade said that his daughter will grow up knowing that she has two people in her life who will do anything to protect her.

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