Miami Heat: 5 Ways Udonis Haslem Will Contribute to Their Title Hopes
Wait, the Miami Heat have Udonis Haslem too?
It's easy to forget this Heat team is missing one of its most critical pieces.
Through all the hate, criticism, ups and downs, they're sitting on a 52-23 record. Not too shabby.
They've accomplished this without all of the elements that Haslem brings to the table, after he went down with a severe foot injury 13 games in.
Well, he's in the midst of a vigorous rehabilitation program and his return, in whatever condition, is imminent.
So what exactly does UD provide for this squad with championship aspirations?
1. Physical Post Defense
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Haslem has measly career averages of 0.3 blocks and 0.6 steals, so he must not be a good defender, right?
What the casual fan doesn't realize is that defense has way more to it than just blocks and steals. Haslem, for example, is the best post defender on this team.
Why?
He's not afraid of contact.
While Chris Bosh may be physical every now and then, Haslem's muscle switch is always on. While he often gives up pounds and inches at just 6'7", 235 pounds, he makes up for it with grit and aggression.
There's no easy buckets on this guy.
2. Help Defense
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While James Jones has done an admiral job filling in for Haslem and doing the dirty work, like taking charges, Haslem is the best post help defender on this team by far.
He'll sacrifice his body regardless of who's coming down the lane.
It could be Shaq at full speed in body armor and he wouldn't flinch.
3. Enforcer
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Don't mess with that man.
Juwan Howard has had to play the role of enforcer in Haslem's absence—but let's be honest, Juwan's about 50-years old and doesn't scare anyone.
Haslem, on the other hand, is one bad dude.
If an opponent touches one of his teammates in a manner that he doesn't like, he'll let that player know on the next possession—usually in the form of an elbow, a grab, a hook or whatever else he does.
In fact, if the Heat and Celtics meet in the playoffs as expected, and Haslem is getting regular minutes, he will be involved in some sort of physical altercation. It's just in his blood. As is the case with Kevin Garnett.
Throw those two together in close proximity in a playoff atmosphere and it's a chemical experiment gone wrong.
4. Rebounding
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Haslem was averaging 8.2 rebounds in just 26 minutes of bone-crushing action before he went down. Need I say more?
He's a go-getter.
When the ball is loose, he goes and gets it.
5. Mental Toughness
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There aren't many players in basketball, let alone professional sports, with the heart, drive and mental toughness of a player like Haslem.
There isn't a better example of someone who has squeezed the most out of his natural abilities.
The guy is a warrior and for the Heat to handle their business and win their second NBA Championship, they need him to make some sort of an impact.
Follow Josh Baumgard on twitter at @MiaSportsGuy or on his blog at http://www.miasportsguy.com
