“He has had the greatest career in Miami Heat history.” Dwyane Wade’s opinion of Udonis Haslem is a testament to UD’s commitment to the Heat. But also a reflection of the bond that the two stars share, considering D-Wade is hailed as the biggest star in Miami history. Makes you wonder if Haslem was left alone in the Heat once The Flash bid farewell to the game after season 2019. Well, not exactly.

Even though UD could find a superstar partner who could help him lead the franchise to another championship, he found a partner to lean on in several other aspects. The player in discussion is Andre Iguodala, who landed with the Heat just the next season after Dwyane Wade retired.

“I never really have people that I can lean on when they come to the team… I’m the OG and everybody come for me to inform, come to me for information. There’s nobody I can really go to and have those conversations with. But when you came to the team, it was like a breath of fresh air…” Haslem said recalling the feeling of Iguodala’s arrival on the team.

The support that he had got back then was really important as Haslem has previously made it clear he was really focused on winning the NBA championship in season 2020 despite being in the bubble because of the global pandemic. But this was also the time that his NBA career, statistically, was on a steep decline. He played just 4 games in 2020. Amid such circumstances, it was only natural for him to want someone to lean on. And with Dwyane Wade gone, it was Iguodala to his rescue.

“All these different conversations I wanted to have. Whether it was on the basketball court about leadership, whether it was talking about how I wanted to take my career to the next level. Or whether it was business conversations. I remember sitting in the bubble… I would come have these conversations with you,” Haslem said on The OGs.

Now before you wonder why he did not lean on LeBron James, another close friend of his, since all the players were together in the bubble. Think of it as UD’s commitment to the desire for another championship. Something he wanted his teammates to inherit. The mental toughness that would’ve helped them with the bubble.

“I was living uncomfortably… Didn’t let my guys see me talking to anybody. I didn’t speak to Bron until we played in the Finals. I literally was passing by people in the hallway and really wasn’t speaking to anybody,” Halsem said during his appearance on NBA Today.

And it seemed to work as the Heat did reach the Finals series but couldn’t overpower Bron-led Lakers. Not a championship, but Haslem sure found a friendship during the process that he cherishes to date. This, however, by no means his bond with Wade or Bron to fade to any extent.

Dwyane Wade and LeBron James cheered for UD on a major milestone following his retirement

Haslem has always been the heart and soul of the Miami Heat, representing the toughness and resilience that define the franchise. With 3 championship rings to his name, UD’s impact on the court was undeniable. But what made him truly special was his vision that extended beyond his playing career.

As retirement approached, Haslem made no secret of his aspirations. He wanted to join the Heat’s front office. And someday, step into an ownership role. It wasn’t just talk, though. Just months after retiring in 2023, Haslem started making those dreams a reality.

The Miami Heat celebrated his new chapter with a touching tribute. They shared, on Instagram, a video compilation of some of the most memorable moments from his career, blending nostalgia with excitement. The big announcement? Udonis Haslem was officially stepping into the role of Vice President.

The news sparked an outpouring of love from those who know him best. LeBron James chimed in with, “Congrats my G,” adding a salute emoji to show his respect. Meanwhile, Dwyane Wade, never one to hold back his enthusiasm, called him the “VP OG,” complete with a fire emoji. A testament that the love, respect, and camaraderie of the former trio from Heat lives on.