Udonis Haslem Returning To Miami Heat, Retirement Will Have To Wait

The Miami Heat could free up some roster space and take in someone who is young and talented to beef up their frontline unit, but they turned to a grizzled veteran and team loyalist such as Udonis Haslem.

Though he has barely played for the last couple of years, the 40-year-old has no plans of closing his NBA career just yet.

Haslem announced that he is returning for an 18th season with the Heat and is open to prolonging his NBA run. Though that is left unanswered, the fact that he is returning places him in a special group.

Only five players have played more than 18 NBA seasons with just one team and most of them left a mark. That list includes Reggie Miller of the Indiana Pacers (18), John Stockton of the Utah Jazz (19), Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs (19), Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (20) and Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks (21), ESPN reported.

But the thing with Haslem is that Miami has not used him that much. Last season, he appeared in only 4 games and contributed 3 points and 4 rebounds per Basketball-Reference. Since the 2014-15 season, Haslem’s games played have been decreased considerably.

It appears that Heat coach Eric Spoelstra sees something in him beyond being fielded in games. Haslem still has an impact on the team, much of which is done in the locker room.

"He's just an incredible rock of stability and leadership and mentorship,'' Spoelstra said during the NBA Finals last month. "That's at all levels. It's not just for our young players. It's for our veteran players. And he provides just great guidance and mentorship to this head coach as well. I love him.''

For now, that could stand. The Heat can survive and forego adding another player with their current crop. Though there is no timetable, it appears Haslem could be sticking around longer. He and Spoelstra will continue to discuss possibilities moving forward.

Once a new deal is signed, Haslem will become the oldest player in franchise history to play for the Heat once he makes an appearance this coming season.

In a previous post, it was mentioned how Haslem felt he still had responsibility and this is the reason why he is still around.

While that makes sense, some wonder if it would be different if he were to be part of the Heat coaching staff instead and allow Miami to use his spot on someone they can use.