Udonis Haslem credits working out with NFL players for strong finish to season
It's almost a cliche how much Udonis Haslem represents the Miami Heat. He's the heart and soul of the team, despite rumors that Pat Riley has shopped Haslem over the years. His role with the team has seen a drastic reduction since he was an important part of the first title season of the LeBron James era, and he's seemingly taken it in stride.
Yet when Chris Bosh was lost for the season, Haslem stepped up big-time. Unsurprisingly, Haslem credited his hard work and willingness to stay ready for his ability to come through when his team needed him, even if Miami didn't make the postseason. Per the Heat's official team site:
“When I had the opportunity and when I was needed to go out there and play big minutes, I was able to go out there and play big minutes and put up some pretty decent numbers,” Haslem said. “If these guys need me for whatever the situation may be, short minutes, big minutes, I just got to make sure I stay ready.”
“[Last summer] I went out…and got a chance to train with a lot of NFL guys, just pushing the sleds and just a lot of different things that I wouldn’t have normally done,” Haslem added. “And I think that definitely contributed to the way I was able to play towards the end of the season.”
(h/t NBA.com)
Photo Credit: Steve Mitchell/USA Today Sports
