Udonis Haslem set to return for 20th season with Heat

Udonis Haslem is returning for his 20th NBA season.

The Heat’s contending cores may alter every few seasons, but “The OG” remains a mainstay.

Udonis Haslem revealed Sunday at his youth basketball camp that he’s intending to return to the court for a 20th season in Miami. The Heat confirmed the move on Tuesday.

“From the first day that I saw him compete, to the last day when we retire his jersey at our FTX home, UD will go down in our team’s history as one of the best to ever play for the Miami Heat” team president Pat Riley said.

One more in me for pops.
One more in me for the city.
One more in me for the team. #UD20@MiamiHEAT // @FTX_Official pic.twitter.com/Lmpdd5Nr5t

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) August 23, 2022

20 years in the same uniform. #UD20 ⚓️ @ThisIsUD pic.twitter.com/zxRGvT3dZ0

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) August 23, 2022

Haslem said he will dedicate this season to his father, who died in 2021.

“I have decided to follow through on what me and my father had talked about, and I will finish what I started,” Haslem said. “I will play 20 years. I will play this year.

“It won’t be the same; it won’t be as easy. But the goal still remains the same: Win. Win a championship. Leave it on the line. Hold your head high when it’s all over. I’ve got one more in me for pops. I’ve got one more in me for the city. I’ve got one more in me for the team.”

@ThisIsUD had something to share at his Miami Basketball & Cheer Camp for Kids today pic.twitter.com/efYwSva3H4

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) August 21, 2022

Originally signed as an undrafted free agent in August 2003, the Heat stalwart spent a half-decade starring alongside Dwyane Wade during the Heat’s initial championship run in 2006, before transitioning to a bench role during the “Heatles” run of four straight NBA Finals and two championships (2010-14).

Haslem hasn’t made more than 16 appearances in any of the last six seasons, but remains a crucial culture-setter for the Heat.

Next season, he will become just the third player in NBA history to play at least 20 years with one NBA franchise in their career, joining only Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki.