Miami Heat: Re-signing Udonis Haslem Brings Stability, Leadership

The potential resigning of Udonis Haslem Mr. “305” is crucial to bringing a high level of stability and leadership to the Miami Heat locker room

There have been many names to describe Udonis Haslem, who was signed by the Miami as an undrafted free agent out of Florida 13 years ago. Names, such as the “Captain”, “Mr. 305”, “UD” the “Real Heart And Soul” of the Miami Heat team come to mind.

Recently, it was reported by Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel that Heat are in the midst of active negotiations to bring back Udonis Haslem, expected at a salary above the minimum.

After the bad break up between Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat, Haslem’s value can’t go unnoticed or devalued – in regarding his leadership, the respect he commands and toughness on and off the court.

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Udonis Haslem is well-respected in the community, being born and raised in Miami, Florida. Haslem is a three-time champion and Miami’s all-time leader in rebounds with 5,665 and a host of much other statistical accolades.

Speaking of leadership, Miami is moving in a direction of youth; with the likes of players such as Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson, Briante Weber, and newly signed Rodney McGruder. A veteran like Udonis Haslem is much-needed; but more importantly, you just signed Hassan Whiteside to a four-year, $98 million contract.

Can you say protect your investment? Mr. “305”, please stand up; with Wade gone, Luol Deng gone and Chris Bosh’s health a huge question mark, to say the least, you need the “Captain” to be the fundamental and sustainable glue to hold everything together.

Hassan Whiteside had shown growth the second half of the season; not just in his play, but in his maturity as well. However, he still showed flashes of losing his cool and being disgruntled on the court and in interviews. That’s why it’s imperative that young Whiteside has strong mentorship around him after signing his mega new deal.

Re-signing Udonis Haslem isn’t just about saving face because key veterans and Dwyane Wade have moved on to other teams. This move is about showing the young core, and new players, the Miami Heat culture overall – while providing them with strongest voice in the locker room the last 13 years and the most respected, “Mr. 305”.

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Don’t think Pat Riley didn’t factor that in or have that in his hip pocket, see it’s “chess not checkers” and Riley is the Godfather of the chess match game.

Udonis Haslem symbolizes blood sweat and tears of an underdog defying the odds; his worth to this franchise goes above and beyond his ability to take charges, play tough, gritty defense, being the team’s enforcer and hit his sweet spot 15-foot jump shot from the baseline.

His halftime “UD” in your face speeches when Miami isn’t playing Miami Heat basketball are legendary and one of a kind. His leadership can be heard from opposing locker rooms only wishing they had their own “UD, Mr. 305.”

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It will be an interesting season, but we know if “UD” is around he’ll give this Miami Heat team and franchise everything he has salute “Captain”.

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