Miami Heat hire Udonis Haslem as VP of Basketball Development
After retiring in July, Udonis Haslem is back with the Heat as the VP of Basketball Development, the team formally announced Tuesday.
The three-time NBA champion will be a part of the front office and will work with the coaching staff as well as help mentor players on the Heat and the G-League affiliate Sioux Falls Skyforce. Haslem had been seen practicing with the team a few times in the past few weeks and a full-time staff offer seemed inevitable.
The Heat announced the hiring and president of basketball operations Pat Riley had great things to say about Haslem.
“Born and raised in Miami, UD has been an integral part of the success of the Heat for 20 years,” Riley said. “It’s great that he has chosen to continue to build on his incredible legacy here in Miami, where he belongs.”
OG is now a VP! UD has joined the front office as Vice President, Basketball Development – responsibilities including being a resource to the coaching staff, mentoring both HEAT & Skyforce players as well as representing the organization in the community & in business endeavors. pic.twitter.com/yt7qEJ5TRn
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) November 7, 2023
Despite limited playing time and production since 2015, there is no denying the fact that Haslem has made a great impact on this organization. He is a fan favorite and was an ideal locker-room presence for younger players. His impact in Miami has never gone unseen and he will be able to provide value to a team that’s advanced to the NBA Finals twice in four seasons.
The Heat have a track record of hiring previous players, such as Alonzo Mourning, Shane Battier, Chris Quinn and Caron Butler, to name a few. I think this new role for Haslem is perfect, as it seemed like he was already doing it at the end of his playing career. He embodied the role of a glue guy and was the OG of the team.
This hiring is a testament to how good the Heat organization is as a whole. Many players, including LeBron James, have given the team its flowers for its ability to consistently stay competitive and relevant. The hiring of Udonis Haslem is a great move and will likely pay off quickly.
