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Udonis Haslem: ‘Now we’ll see who the real Heat fans are’

ByTrisity Miller|
Apr 23, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem (left) runs up court next to forward LeBron James (right) against the Charlotte Bobcats in game two during the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem (left) runs up court next to forward LeBron James (right) against the Charlotte Bobcats in game two during the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Let social media tell it, the Miami Heat had very few fans prior to LeBron James’ decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat in the summer of 2010.

One way the Miami Heat can easily improve their offer for Damian Lillard
One way the Miami Heat can easily improve their offer for Damian Lillard

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    • Let social media tell it, the Miami Heat have very few fans left following LeBron James’ summer departure from Miami back to his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers.

    There’s some truth to both statements. With James, the Heat’s fan base got louder, but the flux of fans floating toward the Heat as they are in position to to compete for a NBA championship is uncommon. We see it all the time with winning franchises — if you win, fans will let it be known they support your club.

    Now with James gone, many expect the fake Heat fans to disperse themselves from the real and one of that many includes Heat forward Udonis Haslem who says this year will truly show who the real fans are.

    Regardless of what people want to admit, the Heat fanbase has always been one of the best amongst NBA legions. Having the entire world pay attention to you following James’ arrival put a damper on that, at least in terms of perception.

    Of course bandwagon fans exist. That’s the territory that comes with having the best player in the world on your team (we saw it with Kobe and the Lakers and Durant and the Thunder).

    Like we saw these last few years, these Heat fans will support their team James or no James, so Haslem has little to worry about.

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