Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Udonis Haslem

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Udonis Haslem made an impact.

Udonis Haslem is a former professional basketball player and current executive, known for his 20-year career with the Miami Heat. He won three NBA championships with the team in 2006, 2012, and 2013. A Miami native, Haslem played college basketball at the University of Florida before starting his professional career in France. He joined the Heat in 2003 and became the longest-tenured player in franchise history. Haslem is one of only three players in NBA history to play at least 20 years with one team. He currently serves as the vice president of basketball development for the Miami Heat.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1997: Won State Title with Miami High

In 1997, Udonis Haslem helped lead Miami High to a state title, playing alongside Steve Blake.

1998: Won Second State Title with Miami High

In 1998, Udonis Haslem helped lead Miami High to a second consecutive state title, playing alongside Steve Blake.

1998: Joined University of Florida

In 1998, Udonis Haslem joined the University of Florida on an athletic scholarship, playing basketball for the Gators.

2002: Ended Career at University of Florida

In 2002, Udonis Haslem ended his basketball career at the University of Florida, having averaged 13.7 points per game and 6.7 rebounds during his tenure.

2002: Went Undrafted in NBA Draft

In 2002, Udonis Haslem went undrafted in the NBA draft due to his size. He was later released by the Atlanta Hawks before the season began.

August 6, 2003: Signed with Miami Heat

On August 6, 2003, Udonis Haslem signed with his hometown team, the Miami Heat. He played in the Rookie Challenge and earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors.

2003: Signed with Miami Heat

In 2003, Udonis Haslem signed with his hometown team, the Miami Heat, beginning his NBA career.

2004: Started in 80 games

In 2004, Udonis Haslem started in all 80 games for the Miami Heat, averaging 10.9 points and a career-high 9.1 rebounds per game. He also appeared in the Rookie Challenge for the second straight year.

August 2005: Re-signed with the Heat

In August 2005, Udonis Haslem re-signed with the Miami Heat.

June 2006: Won First NBA Championship with Heat

In June 2006, Udonis Haslem helped the Miami Heat win their first NBA Championship, recording 17 points and 10 rebounds in the title-clinching Game 6 against the Dallas Mavericks.

November 10, 2006: Career-High Scoring Game

On November 10, 2006, Udonis Haslem scored a career-high 28 points in a 113–106 victory over the New Jersey Nets.

2006: Won First NBA Championship

In 2006, Udonis Haslem won his first NBA championship with the Miami Heat.

2007: Hired as Miami Heat Team Captain

Since the 2007-08 season, Udonis Haslem was hired as the team captain for the Miami Heat.

2009: Highest-scoring output since 2009

On April 9, 2023, Udonis Haslem's highest-scoring output since 2009.

July 2010: Signed Five-Year Deal with Heat

In July 2010, Udonis Haslem signed a five-year deal to remain with the Miami Heat, accepting less money than offered by other teams.

May 2011: Returned to Action After Injury

In May 2011, Udonis Haslem returned to action during the playoffs after recovering from a torn ligament in his foot.

November 2012: Became Franchise Leader in Rebounds

In November 2012, Udonis Haslem surpassed Alonzo Mourning to become the Miami Heat's franchise leader in total rebounds, with 4,808 rebounds.

2012: Won Second NBA Championship with Heat

In 2012, Udonis Haslem helped the Miami Heat win their second NBA Championship, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder.

June 2013: Won Third NBA Championship with Heat

In June 2013, Udonis Haslem won his third NBA Championship after the Miami Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs in seven games.

2013: Won Third NBA Championship

In 2013, Udonis Haslem won his third NBA championship with the Miami Heat.

2013: Diminished Playing Time

In 2013, Udonis Haslem's on-court time with the Miami Heat began to diminish significantly.

July 2014: Re-signed with Heat on Two-Year Deal

In July 2014, Udonis Haslem re-signed with the Miami Heat on a two-year deal, transitioning into a "player-coach" role.

2014: Opted Out of Contract

Following the 2013-14 season, Udonis Haslem decided to opt out of the final year of his contract with the Miami Heat.

2016: Re-signed with the Heat

In 2016, Udonis Haslem re-signed with the Heat on a one-year deal.

2017: Re-signed with the Heat

In 2017, Udonis Haslem re-signed with the Heat on a one-year deal.

2018: Re-signed with the Heat

In 2018, Udonis Haslem re-signed with the Heat on a one-year deal.

January 2019: Indicated Possible Retirement

In January 2019, Udonis Haslem indicated that the 2018–19 season might be his last with the Miami Heat.

April 2019: Undecided About Retirement

In April 2019, Udonis Haslem stated that he had not yet decided if he was retiring and would make the decision during the 2019-20 season.

August 6, 2019: Re-signed with the Heat

On August 6, 2019, Udonis Haslem re-signed with the Miami Heat on a one-year contract.

November 28, 2020: Re-signed with the Heat

On November 28, 2020, Udonis Haslem re-signed with the Miami Heat.

2020: Reached NBA Finals and Became Oldest Active Player

During the 2019-2020 season, Udonis Haslem became the 30th player in league history to play after turning 40 years old and became the oldest active player in the NBA after Vince Carter's retirement. The Heat reached the 2020 NBA Finals.

May 13, 2021: Ejected from Game Against 76ers

On May 13, 2021, Udonis Haslem played in a single game against the Philadelphia 76ers. He scored four points and was ejected, becoming the oldest player in 20 years to be ejected from a game.