As of Friday, Udonis Haslem’s No. 40 jersey hangs in the rafters next to other Miami legends, including No.3 at the Kaseya Center. Marking that occasion, UD gave credit to the teammate who taught him to dream that high as he couldn’t skip Dwyane Wade on the occasion of the Miami Heat retiring his jersey. Reflecting on their careers together, UD was moved to tears.

He spoke directly to Wade during his speech. “There’s no way I’m sitting here without you right now.” Getting visibly emotional, Haslem said, “I used to think he was crazy for how big he used to dream. But you weren’t crazy at all. You showed me how to dream. And I appreciate that, dawg.”

Haslem, who has a signature collection under the Way of Wade sneaker brand, got specific about how D-Wade helped him. “All the things that I’m doing right now, TV, business, and all these opportunities, because I watched you bro. I used to think you was crazy. You had it figured out way before me. And I appreciate you for showing me how to dream, dawg. I love you to death, brother. Imma keep dreamin.” 

Wade was in the house among all the attendees, sporting a Udonis tee under his jacket. When announcer Eric Reid introduced him, he made sure his t-shirt stood out. You couldn’t tell Wade’s expression behind those Versace sunglasses through that shoutout, but he did break out in a smile when UD called him crazy.

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Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem are inseparable

A week ago, the franchise celebrated Wade’s Hall of Fame induction at Kaseya Center. It was during this event that Pat Riley announced that Wade would be the first Heat legend to earn a statue in his honor. The 8-foot bronze likeness of The Flash is expected to be unveiled on Biscayne Boulevard in Fall 2024.

Unaware of the surprise coming his way, Wade strutted into the Hall of Fame night decked in Versace and shoes from his sneaker brand. But with an extra touch. The customized Way of Wade sneakers had the letters UD displayed prominently on them. He flexed them on Heat’s fit check Instagram post where Haslem commented, “My brother…” 

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In August 2023, Wade even named Udonis Haslem in his HoF speech. The OG, who was present at the ceremony, made it known that he was moved to tears even if Wade didn’t notice.

A hot topic now is that UD’s HoF chances are meager. But Miami Heat, Pat Riley, and many of his teammates are pushing for his inclusion. If they succeed, you know Haslem’s going to get a few tears out of D-Wade in his speech too.