Udonis Haslem has great reason for not ruling out a 17th NBA season

Udonis Haslem has played a very small role for the Miami Heat over the last several years, and it would be unrealistic to think that will change if he decides to return for a 17th season. But even at age 39, Haslem remains as confident as ever.

In a lengthy Instagram rant on Monday morning, Haslem spoke about how he has been doubted his whole life and is not surprised people think he should retire. While he wouldn’t say for sure if he plans to play next season, he is not ruling it out. One of the reasons for that is he believes he can “sleepwalk into a double double.”

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I've never been the one to listen to outside noise. Key word is listen. Doesn't mean I don't hear. See the thing most average minded people don't get is if I let your expectations of me define me then I wouldn't be here today. Problem is majority of this world is average ASF!! Nobody ever expected shit from a young fat kid from liberty city. Hell why would they? But I'm thankful they didn't. I guess I shouldn't own Subways, and Einstein, and Auntie Ann's, and Starbucks, and 800 Degrees Woodfire kitchens either huh? What I've grown to realize in my life is that my obsession with success, my drive to overcome obstacles, and my overall work ethics is way higher than most. And I'm ok with that. It makes sense why most think I should retire at 39. Cause most would. Cause most are average minded. Most don't look like this at 39! Hell they ain't look like this at 19. Lol. So y'all keep worrying about the last spot on the roster while I sit back and stay ready so I don't gotta get ready. I'm not saying I'm playing next year but if u with me then u will support whatever I do!! Not tell me what to do!! And if that ain't good enough for u, in the words of Barbara Wooten f**k ya!! U was never wit me anyway!! Oh and one more thing. You out your ass mind if you think I can't still play this game. I'll sleepwalk into a double double cause I'm just built different!! Y'all should know that by now but keep hating. I need y'all!! A chain is only as strong as its weakest link and if I'm the weak link that's a hell of a f**king chain!! #og

A post shared by Udonis Haslem (@ud40) on Jun 24, 2019 at 3:35am PDT

“Most don’t look like this at 39! Hell they ain’t look like this at 19. Lol. So y’all keep worrying about the last spot on the roster while I sit back and stay ready so I don’t gotta get ready. I’m not saying I’m playing next year but if u with me then u will support whatever I do!! Not tell me what to do!!,” Haslem wrote.

Haslem appeared in just 10 games last season and averaged 2.5 points and 2.7 rebounds. He’s never averaged a double-double in his career, and he has not averaged double-digit points since the 2008-09 season.

While he has given consideration to signing with other teams in the past, Haslem has been with the Heat since he was a rookie in 2003. They may bring him back on a veteran minimum deal just to play a leadership role, but he doesn’t have much more to offer on the court.