NBA, Miami pays tribute to captain: retired his jersey

He played for 20 seasons with the Heat with the likes of LBJ, Wade and Bosh

He had already decided this last March but the official announcement has only now come. Haslem has decided after 20 NBA seasons, all played in a Miami jersey, that it is time to retire. He did so with a beautiful message via social media.

“The championships, the accolades, the brotherhood, man, it’s hard not to be at peace. Undrafted for a 3x Champion, All-Rookie 2nd Team, Teammate Of The Year, oldest player to play in an NBA Finals game, Miami Heat’s all-time leading rebounder and longest-tenured player, the list could go on…. I will always be the #OG, but now it’s time for the family man and businessman to get to work…. #40, see you soon…,” part of his message.

Many said goodbye to what was the Heat captain for so many seasons, including former teammates Wade and LBJ. A true embodiment of Heat Culture, Haslem is only the third NBA player to have played 20 seasons with the same franchise (with which he won three NBA rings in 2006, 2012 and 2013). Before him, only Nowitzki (Dallas Mavs) and Kobe Bryant (LA Lakers) had managed it. Miami has already made it known that his number 40 jersey will be retired and no one will be allowed to wear it again.