"Send him to mentor Ja in Memphis for one year" - NBA fans come up with rib-tickling reactions as Udonis Haslem announces retirement
Udonis Haslem has finally announced his retirement. The 6-foot-8 forward is currently in his 20th season in the NBA and has spent his entire career with the Miami Heat.
Haslem has been the heart and soul of the team, but the truth is that he hasn't been a contributor for almost a decade. The NBA veteran has taken up the roster spot due to his locker room presence, but he's set to retire after the 2022-23 season.
Despite the lack of on-court contributions, Haslem has been a big part of the Heat. After his retirement, he may join the team as an assistant coach.
Udonis Haslem's retirement has caused a lot of reactions from basketball fans
The 6-foot-8 forward has appeared in only six games for the Miami Heat in the 2022-23 season. Due to the health issues the Heat have had, Haslem has even started in one game.
On Sunday, the three-time NBA champion announced his retirement.
“I’m done," Haslem announced. "I’m done no matter what happens. I gave my contribution. I think at this stage, there needs to be another voice for these guys. It’s time for somebody to step up and be the voice.”
NBA fans have had numerous reactions to this news. Most of them know that Udonis Haslem is more of a coach than a player, which is why they suggested him mentoring Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant.
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Morant has dealt with a lot of problems lately and will spend some time away from the team.
@TheNBACentral @MiamiHerald Send him to mentor Ja in Memphis for one year
Many fans pointed out that Haslem could have an impact on the team without taking up a roster spot.
@TheNBACentral @MiamiHerald You can still be a voice and not take up a roster spot bro lol so dramatic.
The veteran forward will receive $1.8 million for his services this season, which is most likely another reason why he's stayed with the team as a player.
@DiggzWorld @TheNBACentral @MiamiHerald He know he just wanted that secured bag 😂
Haslem hasn't played significant minutes since the 2014-15 season, when he averaged 16.0 minutes per game.
@TheNBACentral @MiamiHerald Finally. He hasn’t played in like 8 years.
It is somewhat unusual for the longtime Heat forward to announce his retirement. It was a big deal when big-name players like Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade did it. However, many basketball fans don't care that much about Udonis Haslem.
@TheNBACentral @MiamiHerald nigga thought he was going to get the kobe treatment you a nobody 😭
Unsurprisingly, many social media users posted clips of Haslem's failures on the court, including a failed alley-oop against the LA Lakers.
@TheNBACentral @MiamiHerald Damn, I'm gonna miss this 🔥 https://t.co/BpuoBkHIfq
Some basketball fans even referred to Haslem as a cheerleader.
@TheNBACentral @MiamiHerald LETS GO get this cheerleader outta the league
Considering that UD has spent the majority of his time on the bench, this comes as no surprise.
Haslem's NBA career
Before the Big 3 era in Miami, Udonis Haslem was a decent forward. He averaged 10.0 points and 8.1 rebounds prior to the 2010-11 season and was a starter in most of the games he played.
Haslem's role has drastically decreased over the last decade, and he's appeared in only 64 games in the last seven seasons.
The NBA veteran will retire with three championship rings and as the Miami Heat's all-time rebounding leader.
You may be interested in reading: Udonis Haslem credits LeBron James for his own longevity and ability to play at 42
Haslem and his former teammate LeBron James are the only two active players who have been in the league for 20 years. Only 10 players in the league's history have played in 20 or more seasons.