3X NBA champion speaks on his animosity with Celtics legends: “They probably don’t like us and don’t like me, because I don’t like them, either”
Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce's recent comments about the Miami Heat didn't sit well with Udonis Haslem, who is in his 20th season with the franchise.
On the "KG Certified" podcast, Garnett and Pierce, who helped the Boston Celtics to the 2008 championship, and discussed the Heat for this season. The NBA legends didn't have any ringing endorsements for the Heat, saying that "their time has passed." They also questioned the consistency of the team, especially big man Bam Adebayo.
It got the attention of one of the most passionate players on Miami's roster in Haslem. Although Haslem is viewed at this point as a locker room presence, he's had plenty of battles against the Celtics. Haslem took to social media to voice his displeasure with the statements made by Garnett and Pierce.
Haslem, who has won three titles in his hometown after going undrafted, has always been one of the league's most competitive players. He's also been a player who has never stepped down from a challenge. Haslem spoke about the history of the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat, even saying he "doesn't like them either."
“It’s just how I feel. That’s just how I feel," Haslem said. "I just feel like, every time I turn around, those guys got something to say about us. Even going back to last year. I think Paul was very critical of us last year. You know what I’m saying? But, like, why? For what? Critical of Bam, critical of Jimmy, six games in, when there’s a lot of teams struggling – right– and haven’t hit their stride, not just us. I feel like that was a bit much.
"And I feel like it goes back. But I can feel it. I can dig it, because I don’t like them, either. So, I can understand why they probably don’t like us and don’t like me, because I don’t like them, either. And that’s OK. I don’t have to like everybody. I was taught that as a kid: Be respectful; you don’t gotta like everybody.”
Udonis Haslem continues to go after Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce: ‘I don’t like them’: heatnation.com/media/udonis-h…
Miami Heat off to a slow start this season
It's been a disappointing start to the season for the Miami Heat, especially compared to last season.
Last season, Miami was one of the league's most dominant teams when healthy, finishing first in the Eastern Conference with a 53-29 record. Miami was also one win away from securing a spot in the NBA Finals before losing to the Boston Celtics. Fast forward to today, and Miami finds itself with a 2-5 record.
Paul Pierce says Kyle Lowry should come off the bench for the Miami Heat: heatnation.com/media/paul-pie…
The team has lost three of its last four games and is desperate to get back on track. It won't be easy for Miami, as they are set to take on the hungry Golden State Warriors (3-4) on Tuesday night.