Not many players can say they went undrafted and still managed to carve out a 20-year career in the NBA. Udonis Haslem is one of those rare stories—a player who, despite being overlooked in the 2002 NBA Draft, worked tirelessly to establish himself as a cornerstone of the Miami Heat, winning three championships along the way. His loyalty to Miami is the stuff of legends, and it’s exemplified by an unforgettable story shared by Heat President Pat Riley on The OGs podcast.

“I’ll never forget what you told me,” Riley recounted. “Coach, you know I love it here. I was raised in Miami, but I’ve got to go to San Antonio. I promised Pop I’d come down for a workout.” Riley admitted he thought that workout with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich would mark the end of Haslem’s time in Miami. “I said, ‘Pop’s gonna get him. That’ll be it. You’ll be gone, and we’ll lose you.”

But Haslem defied expectations. After completing his workout in San Antonio, he returned to Miami and signed with the Heat, beginning a 20-year career that made him synonymous with the franchise. “Here we are, 20 years later,” Riley marveled. That dedication and commitment are why former teammate Mike Miller once called Haslem the “Real Mayor of Miami.” Haslem’s loyalty extends far beyond the court.

In the same segment, Haslem spoke about his sense of duty to his teammates and the city of Miami. “When you come to this city and play for the Miami Heat, I have an obligation. One, you’re my brother when you step into that locker room. And two, I’ve got to make sure you’re safe out here in these streets.” His intimate knowledge of Miami and its communities has allowed Haslem to help teammates in unexpected ways. One notable example was when he helped Dwyane Wade retrieve valuables that had been taken.

Somebody stole D-Wade’s truck and chain, so Udonis Haslem made it his responsibility to get those things back. As a seasoned Miami resident, UD took on the responsibility of guiding his teammate.

Udonis Haslem is next in line for Dwyane Wade like franchise honor?

Haslem’s loyalty to the Miami Heat is unmatched. And his sacrifices over the years have solidified his status as one of the franchise’s most revered figures. In 2010, Haslem faced a pivotal moment in his career during free agency. Valued at $33 million, he had lucrative offers from other teams willing to pay top dollar for his services. Yet, he chose to stay in Miami, even if it meant taking a significant pay cut to help the team form its iconic Big 3.

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh—the Big 3—also took pay cuts to ensure the Heat could offer Haslem a $20 million contract extension. This collective sacrifice highlighted the respect and admiration Haslem commands, not just for his contributions on the court but also for his team-first mentality.

“His work that he’s done on the basketball court is hand in hand with what I’ve done,” Dwyane Wade said in an interview with REVOLVE, emphasizing that Haslem has earned a special place in Heat history. Even ‘The Godfather’ echoed this sentiment. During Wade’s statue unveiling ceremony, Riley remarked, “One day, we will have that. Put up your statue up here.” His sacrifices have not only helped shape the Heat’s legacy but also cemented his own as one of the most respected figures in franchise history.

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