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Miami Heat veteran Udonis Haslem started for the team in Thursday's road game against the youthful Houston Rockets. Haslem had to cover for the Heat as they only have eight players available, with Bam Adebayo, Gabe Vincent, Kyle Lowry and Victor Oladipo all sidelined due to injuries or rest.
Haslem, who has played the power forward position, had to fill in as the starting center in his 501st start for the Heat, his third in seven years. Haslem is registered as the oldest active player in the league at 42 years and 189 days.
Every offseason over the last five years, there's been growing speculation that he will call time on his career. This past offseason was no different. But Udonis Haslem has managed to grab a starting role in what could be his final season in the NBA.
Haslem hasn't been in the rotation since the 2016-17 season, so him starting in a game was quite the deal. Miami has kept him on the roster as a veteran who can hold superstars and young players accountable and mentor them as they aim to win a championship.
He has been part of three title runs and understands the "Heat culture" better than anyone else. However, once news broke that Haslem would be starting against the Rockets, fans gave hilarious reactions to the situation. One fan wrote:
"Someone allowed this dude to start???"
Another added:
"He starting? Bbq chicken alert"
Here are some more reactions that followed:
Miami Heat wins as Udonis Haslem produces scoreless 11 minutes
NBA Twitter memes seem to have turned into a reality after 42-year-old Udonis Haslem made an underwhelming return to on-court action. Playing in only his fourth game this season and first since December 2, Haslem was on the floor for 11 minutes but failed to score, missing all four of his field goal attempts. He had two rebounds and three personal fouls.
The Heat were -5 when Haslem was in action. However, young star Tyler Herro and franchise MVP Jimmy Butler came up with solid performances to guide the Heat to a 111-108 road win over the in-form Rockets, who had beaten the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns in their previous two outings.
Herro bagged a career night, scoring 41 points and shooting 65.0% from the floor. He made 10 of 15 shots from the arc, putting on an offensive clinic. Meanwhile, Butler produced a casual 20-point double-double. He had ten rebounds, seven assists, four steals and three blocks.
It seems like a one-off start for Udonis Haslem. The Heat played on the second night of a back-to-back and lacked rotation depth. They are likely to have most of their players back by their next game on Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs.
Haslem didn't have a great night in his starting role, but the Heat will be satisfied coming away with a win with a thin roster and difficult circumstances.
Guess the Lakers players!
