Miami Heat President Details Why Udonis Haslem is Critical for Their Team
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The Miami Heat have an exciting young core to build on. Led by Jimmy Butler, the young Heat team made a surprising run to the NBA Finals. On their way, they beat favorites in the East such as the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics.
Players such as Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and Duncan Robinson stepped up majorly during the finals and played well beyond their age. But the Heat also had a significant veteran presence, with players Andre Iguodala and Udonis Haslem to help mentor younger members in the squad.
The Heat offered Bam Adebayo a massive contract extension, as they look to secure their future core. After an excellent season, Adebayo became an All-Star for the first time in his career.
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USA Today via Reuters
Sep 27, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra hands the Eastern Conference Championship trophy to forward Bam Adebayo (13) after defeating the Boston Celtics in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jimmy Butler has been identified as the clear leader of the team. His performances in the playoffs helped Miami reach the finals. Butler even made history, becoming the first player in NBA history to have a 40-point triple-double in the finals, and went on to win that game.
The Heat have also sought to keep veteran experience in their team to complement their rising young stars. The Heat re-signed Goran Dragic, Udonis Haslem and Meyers Leonard. They also acquired players such as Avery Bradley and Maurice Harkless in free agency to make up for the loss of players such as Jae Crowder.
Miami Heat re-sign Udonis Haslem
Pat Riley on re-signing Udonis Haslem, "His role is so critical for our team. Besides being able to still play, UD keeps everyone together in the locker room and on the road, teaching and mentoring. I think it’s a role he really loves and we are glad he decided to come back."
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) November 28, 2020
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It is clear that the Heat have a solid project in the making, and their run to the Finals this season proved that the team is a few pieces away from becoming a solid contender in the NBA again.
The Heat returned to the Finals this year for the first time since 2014. The last time, they had the Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh at the helm leading the charge.
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Miami Heat president Pat Riley spoke to the press about re-signing veteran power forward Udonis Haslem to an extension. Riley noted that Haslem is an integral part of the Heat, even at his advanced age and is a locker room leader. Riley said, “His role is so critical for our team. Besides being able to still play, UD keeps everyone together in the locker room and on the road, teaching, and mentoring. I think it’s a role he really loves and we are glad he decided to come back.”
The Miami Heat will be raring to go once again when the season begins. They want to prove to the NBA world that their run to the Finals was no fluke and that they are more than capable of repeating the task. The Heat will begin the new NBA season on December 22, 2020.
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