Miami Heat center Udonis Haslem took serious issue with the team’s run to the Finals being called a “fluke” in an ESPN story about free agency.
“We don’t listen to people who throw rocks and hide their hands,” Haslem told reporters. “You know what that means? Throw rocks and hide your hands? That means you said something and you act like you ain’t say it. Who said it? Tell us who said it? If you don’t tell us who said it, then we don’t care.”
The Heat lost in six games to the Los Angeles Lakers on the Disney campus, upending the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics along the way.
“There are skeptics around the league who consider Miami’s run to the Finals something of a fluke — the product of the bubble’s strangeness,” ESPN wrote. “There is no question Miami’s militaristic culture steeled the Heat for the isolation and all-basketball, all-the-time environment of the bubble. That environment took a toll on other teams.”
Haslem hasn’t seen much court time in recent seasons, but Heat president Pat Riley and his teammates insist he is a large part of things. He represents Heat Culture. So when Haslem speaks, the Heat world listens.
When asked why some people might consider the Heat’s run a once-in-a-lifetime event, Haslem was equally firm in his response.
“Some people?” he said. “Was it some of the people that we probably beat? Get their ass out of here. That’s why we beat them.”
Haslem, 40, signed a one-year deal in November to return to the Heat for an 18th season.
“It’s great to have UD back,” Riley said. “His role is so critical for our team. Besides being able to still play, UD keeps everyone together in the locker room and on the road, teaching and mentoring.”
The Heat open the season Dec. 23 at Orlando.
