Seeking court time, Haslem considering playing overseas

Miami native Udonis Haslem has spent his entire NBA career in a Miami Heat uniform. But before he hangs ‘em up for good, Haslem may play for another team — even if it’s overseas.

In a conversation with reporters at the Heat’s basketball camp, the all-time leading rebounder in Heat history said that he wants more playing time. The following is an excerpt from an article by the Miami Herald’s Manny Navarro:

“But I don’t know, man. I’m just trying to have fun. I’ve got a lot of energy. It ain’t always getting exerted on the court. So I’ve got to figure out somewhere to put it. I’ve got game left in me. I might just go play in China or Europe or something. I’ve got some game left. I ain’t really trying to waste it too much more. So, we’ll figure it out.”

And here is another quote from Haslem.

“I know they want me to come back, but there’s also the selfless part of me that gives, gives, gives and a part of me that says I’ve got to start thinking about myself sometimes,” Haslem said. “That’s where I’m at. That’s the dilemma for me. I’ve got to start thinking about myself. I love being around the guys. I enjoy giving life to the guys. I enjoy working out with the guys, and I enjoy seeing the things we do off the court manifest on the court and having success. But you know at the end of the day I still go home a little bit frustrated because I can still play. Part of that is deciding whether I want to deal with that.”

The 6-foot-8 forward only played in 14 games last season and 16 in the 2016-17 season. He’s essentially served the role that Juwan Howard played during Miami’s Big Three era — the veteran in the locker room who rarely plays. But if Haslem isn’t satisfied with that role, he may play for a year or two overseas to get more playing time.

Such a move wouldn’t be the first for Haslem. After going undrafted in 2002, Haslem spent a year playing in France. The Heat legend then signed with Miami in 2003, starting his NBA career with Dwyane Wade.