NBA Rumors: Miami Heat’s Udonis Haslem didn’t expect reduced minutes

Miami Heat power forward Udonis Haslem has been a stale of the Heat.

Haslem, a native of Miami, left the city to spend four years playing for the Florida Gators, before returning home to join the Heat in 2003.

Although he has had chances to take more lucrative opportunities elsewhere, he has remained with the Heat throughout his career.

Haslem, who is now 33, has battled injuries and has seen a severe reduction in minutes and games, which is something he did not expect.

“Oh, no, I didn’t know I was going to be sitting all those games this year,” Haslem told Shams Charania of RealGM. “Had no idea. It was difficult going through the situation, but I kept myself ready. I worked out every day with [James Jones], Rashard [Lewis], [Michael] Beasley, Toney Douglas and Justin Hamilton, playing three-on-three and keeping each other encouraged.”

Of course, this is all likely an attempt to keep Haslem healthy going into the postseason.

Haslem has appeared in 39 games this season, making 11 starts.

He’s averaging 3.0 points and 3.0 rebounds in 12.3 minutes per game.