Haslam didn’t play, but his presence was felt.
The Miami Heat were the hottest team in the playoffs. After finishing the regular season in seventh place, Miami made it to the playoffs. They got off to a rough start, losing to the Atlanta Hawks in their first game of the playoffs. However, the loss proved to be just the medicine for Miami.
Miami then faced the Chicago Bulls in the play-in tournament and won, earning the No. 8 seed. Their first-round opponent was the heavy favorite, the Milwaukee Bucks. While most expected Milwaukee to win, Miami jumped out to an early lead with a blowout win in Game 1. They then dropped Game 2, but bounced back to take the next three games.
The Heat continued their dominance in the second round. They faced the New York Knicks and won 4-2 to advance to the conference finals.
Miami’s Conference Finals opponent was the Boston Celtics, who had won the East the previous season. Once again, Miami was the underdog. But the Heat came out firing on all cylinders, taking Games 1 and 2 on Boston’s home floor and then sweeping Game 3. They then dropped Games 4, 5, and 6, but came back to win Game 7 to advance to the NBA Finals. Only two teams in NBA history have accomplished this feat.
Miami’s eighth-seeded miracle was up against the Denver Nuggets in the Finals. Despite the power differential, Miami gave it their all until the end. However, the Heat were unable to overcome Denver and ended the season with a 1-4 record.
Along the way, every player on the court did their part, including ace Jimmy Butler (201 cm, F). Add to that the dedication of Udonis Haslam (203 cm, F), who was an anchor off the court.
Haslam played just two games in the playoffs. His total playing time was three minutes. But off the court, he was actively engaged with the coaching staff and players, calling the shots on and off the court, especially to keep the younger players from getting nervous. Haslam’s presence is a reason why Miami’s culture is as strong as it is.
Undrafted free agent Max Struss (6-foot-9, F) expressed his gratitude for Haslam. “We are so grateful to have Haslam as our leader, role model, and teacher,” Struss said on social media. He is a role model for the entire team,” he wrote, adding, “I have learned so much from being around him every day, especially how he has shown us undrafted players the way.”먹튀검증
Although Struth went undrafted, he has proven his worth over the course of last season and this season. His play continued in the playoffs, which was a huge boost for Miami. However, Struth will be eligible for free agency after this season. His work rate and ability to shoot from beyond the arc will be a great addition to the team. It will be interesting to see how Struth will fare in free agency after proving his worth.