Udonis Haslem’s pay-it-forward approach paying off with Orlando Robinson, Jamal Cain
So what does retirement look like for retired Miami Heat captain Udonis Haslem?
Like he never left, as he continues to keep tabs on the team’s impressionable youth.
That made his visit to Las Vegas summer league similar to his work on the practice court this past season as the career of the 43-year-old forward drew to a close.
The focus in Las Vegas was on Orlando Robinson and Jamal Cain, with the two thriving in summer league through Sunday’s close, when Haslem sat courtside.
“Those are the guys I’ve become closest with, because I spent the most time with those guys,” Haslem said during a WQAM interview.
Robinson already was assured of a standard contract even before the start of summer league. Cain with his solid play over the past two weeks likely is headed in that direction.
“He’s another Heat guy,” Haslem said of Cain. “He’s one of the guys who’s spent some of the most time with me. He’s one of the guys who I’m most close with, him and Orlando. Throughout the season when I’m not getting that work in, I’m not playing on the regular, what you talk about what I give to these guys, these are two guys that have given so much to me throughout last season.”
For Haslem, it largely had been a pay-it-forward approach through his final seasons. That also continues.
Upon his arrival last month, first-round pick Jaime Jaquez Jr., the No. 18 pick out of UCLA, said the first Heat player he contacted was Haslem, who had just finished his 20th and final NBA season, all with the Heat.
“We spoke a couple of times and we’ve kept in contact throughout summer league in Sacramento and (Las Vegas),” Haslem said. “He’s definitely a culture guy. I think it was a great pickup. And I’m looking forward to being more involved and to continue the process with him.
” I stay connected to all these guys. With the way everything is today, you’re only a FaceTime away. So, Niko (Jovic), all these guys are hearing my voice on the regular.”
Familiar faces in Vegas @DwyaneWade // @ThisIsUD pic.twitter.com/9uRGphBG9K
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) July 17, 2023
But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a torch being passed, with Haslem having made clear it is a process that already has begun with center Bam Adebayo.
“If you don’t really know the game of basketball,” Haslem said, “which most people don’t, you never really understand how important a guy like Bam Adebayo is and what he brings to the table.
“I’m looking forward to the next phase for him, which is his growth as not only a player but as a leader.”
While also looking forward to the next big moment on the Heat calendar, the Aug. 12 induction of Dwyane Wade into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
“Anytime I get an opportunity to give my brother his flowers and celebrate the amazing career that he had, I want to take full advantage,” said Haslem, who took in the Heat’s summer-league finale in Las Vegas while seated alongside Wade. “As we come to this point in our lives, cherish those moments even more, those memories and things that we had and things that we were able to accomplish are priceless. So I’m looking forward to the opportunity. He deserves it.”