The Miami HEAT celebrated the jersey retirement of Udonis Haslem, a homegrown talent who has been with the team for over 20 years. The event was marked by tributes from former teammate Dwyane Wade and coach Erik Spoelstra, as well as recognition of Haslem's three championship wins and his status as the franchise's rebound leader. His jersey was hoisted to the rafters during a first-class event, with the song 'Born n Raised' playing in the background, symbolizing his deep connection to the city of Miami. Haslem's contribution to the team's culture was widely acknowledged, with Goran Dragić and others praising his embodiment of the #HEATCulture, referring to him as 'Captain, Mr. 305, leader, amazing human being'. Haslem himself noted his relatability to the city's residents, suggesting that his journey is more attainable than that of superstars like LeBron James. The Heat organization and fans celebrated by declaring 'Udonis, you did it', 'Gotta rock #HEATCulture for UD's night', and 'Forever immortalized in #HEATCulture'. His career was described as 'Heck of a career' and he was recognized as 'The signature Heat Culture dude' and 'The embodiment of #heatculture'. The full jersey retirement ceremony was available to watch, illustrating how Haslem 'Did it his way in his city'.
Did it his way in his city over 20 years. Watch UD's full jersey retirement ceremony from start to finish ⤵️ https://t.co/LDYDC6uQp2
Udonis Haslem on why he gets so much love from Miami: I can relate to everyone in this city. I'm relatable and I've been relatable. You have a better chance of being a Udonis Haslem than a LeBron James. No disrespect to Bron, most people aren't born 6'8" 280lbs and can run like a… https://t.co/vkvtB85xHF
Obviously UD doesn’t fit the traditional retired jersey criteria… but if you want guys to buy into your culture, you have to reward it… and he is the signature Heat Culture dude. https://t.co/xjjWuE5bGR
The embodiment of #heatculture https://t.co/l1oSgUXxZC
Shout out to UD, man. Heck of a career. https://t.co/4asDeXZ7YC
Absolute first-class event by the Heat to celebrate UD. His jersey has now been hoisted.
Playing "Born n Raised" while Udonis Haslem's jersey rises to the rafters is perfect.
Forever immortalized in #HEATCulture https://t.co/OK8VPWNEPh
"Captain, Mr. 305, leader, amazing human being..." Goran Dragić tells @JeremyTache how @ThisIsUD embodies #HEATCulture. 🎙 https://t.co/R2iiG9zWE5
Gotta rock #HEATCulture for UD's night 🔥 https://t.co/PunfTMO3Ud
Udonis. U are a homegrown talent. U won three championships. U own the franchise rebound record. Now U will have your number hanging from the rafters. Udonis, you did it. #HEATCulture https://t.co/KrvHFFR8h5
Spo, paying tribute on UD night. https://t.co/aBt6KIpw5G
Dwyane Wade on @ThisIsUD's jersey retirement, tonight in Miami 💯 (via @MiamiHEAT) https://t.co/w1Hh91Kl4J
Time to bounce-back at home! #HEATCulture https://t.co/ILxTL2ywtB
Can't compare him to anyone else - Cap is truly one of a kind. Ahead of @ThisIsUD's jersey retirement, he receives a special message from @DwyaneWade 🤝 https://t.co/wdxDLVjHw8