As if the image of Dwyane Wade in a Cleveland Cavaliers uniform wasn’t enough, here’s another stomach-churning thought for Miami Heat fans.
Speaking with Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald on Tuesday, Heat captain Udonis Haslem said that he seriously considered signing with the Cavs this summer, even before his longtime teammate Wade agreed to terms with them.
“I got an interesting call from Cleveland,” said the veteran big man. “My son is out there [as a student and football player] at the University of Toledo in Ohio. It was something to consider.”
But Haslem, who eventually returned to Miami on a one-year deal, couldn’t fathom leaving the team where he had spent all 14 seasons of his NBA career.
“I can’t imagine being anywhere else,” he went on. “I’m all heart and going somewhere else, my heart just wouldn’t be in it. I just wouldn’t see the same player regardless of the opportunity to play and the minutes … This is the best place for me. I really want these guys to get this trophy.”
Haslem also added that he didn’t second-guess his decision, even after Wade wound up signing with the Cavs after being bought out by the Bulls.
“It would have been funny [with Wade there], but I don’t regret the decision I made,” Haslem concluded. “I’m where I’m supposed to be, I’m where I need to be. I’m where I’m most effective, even though it’s not on the basketball court, I would like to think I impact this organization, this team just by bringing my presence and everything else.”
Haslem, 37, doesn’t get too many minutes these days. But he’s by far the longest-tenured member of the Heat, contributed to all three of their titles, and is affectionately nicknamed “Mr. 305” (after the city of Miami’s area code) by the local fanbase. Thus, his presence in South Beach has immense value beyond just his on-court play. And if these comments are any indication, he’s definitely looking forward to going up against Wade and the Cavs this season.
