Heat to retire Udonis Haslem's No. 40

Field Level Media|published: Fri 22nd December, 14:10 2023

Apr 9, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem (40) reacts after entering the game during the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Kaseya Center. credits: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Heat will retire Udonis Haslem's No. 40 next month, making him the sixth player in franchise history to be so honored.

The ceremony will be held Jan. 19 during halftime of the Heat's game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Haslem spent his entire 20-year NBA career with the franchise, signing as an undrafted free agent from Florida on Aug. 6, 2003, and retired after seeing limited action in the 2022-23 season.

Now 43, Haslem won three NBA championships, seven Eastern Conference title and 12 divisional crowns with the Heat. He was a team captain for 16 seasons.

"It's about a great legacy, a Thank You moment that has been earned over 20 years of being an incredible championship player and most importantly, the best leader," Heat president Pat Riley said in a news release. "He's going to have his day and I can't wait to see his jersey hang in the rafters."

That jersey will join those of fellow Miami greats Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway, Shaquille O'Neal, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.

He is one of only three players in NBA history (Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks) to play at least 20 seasons with one franchise.

He is Miami's all-time rebounding leader and ranks second in games played, starts and minutes in franchise history. His 147 postseason appearances are the most by an undrafted player in league history.

A Miami native, Haslem now is the vice president of basketball development for the team.

In 879 career games (501 starts), Haslem averaged 7.5 points and 6.6 rebounds.

—Field Level Media