Skip to main content

Miami Heat's Udonis Haslem Always Ready For An Opportunity To Contribute

Haslem played meaningful minutes in Thursday's loss to Knicks

With backup center Orlando Robinson sidelined with an injury, Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra had two choices Thursday against the New York Knicks: Dewayne Dedmon or Udonis Haslem. 

Spoelstra went with Haslem, the reliable veteran for obvious reasons. 

"I actually planned on playing both of them," Spoelstra said. "But since it was Heat-Knicks, it was just very fitting I play UD. He gave us some good minutes. Whenever there is a chance to take a charge, he's going to be one of those guys in the mix." 

Haslem, in his 20th season, finished with two rebounds in 10 minutes. He gave the Heat valuable playing time off the bench as Bam Adebayo's backup while Dedmon got the DNP-CD. 

"It's small minutes but you never know what particular impact you can have on a game," Haslem said. "With small minutes, you've got to have an impact. I've got to make my presence felt. That was my first doing it. I'll get better with time." 

MORE HEAT-RELATED STORIES

Takeaways from the Heat's loss to Knicks. CLICK HERE

How Heat Twitter reacted to loss to Knicks. CLICK HERE

Former Heat player Meyers Leonard wants another chance. CLICK HERE

For a look at some of the latest Heat apparel. CLICK HERE

If you wanna bet on any games at @PrizePicks or PrizePicks.com, use our link and code. They will match your first bet for up to $100. Here's the code: PR-R1YOFY6

Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat.

TWITTER: @ShandelRich

Follow all of our Miami Heat coverage on Facebook here

Subscribe to our YouTube channel here

For any Heat or NBA questions, please email shandelrich@gmail.com