Miami Heat Injury Update: Udonis Haslem Practices, Return Is Inevitable

As the Miami Heat are set to begin the most hyped playoff run in franchise history, there is still one more piece missing to their championship puzzle.

I hope you haven’t forgotten about Udonis Haslem, who’s been out for most of the regular season with a serious foot injury. Thankfully for the Heat, their co-captain (along with Wade) appears awfully close to returning to game action.

I attended Heat practice Friday for my radio job and was delighted to know Haslem participated in his first full practice as the team prepares for their Game 1 matchup with the Sixers on Saturday.

“It’s one thing to be working out, going one on one with Pitt [Dexter Pittman] and coach Keith”, said an upbeat Haslem. “It’s another thing to be going up and down with the guys, rebounding, defending, outlet running, pick-and-rolling, and different things like that in action.

“It’s two completely different scenarios for me. To be honest with you, the first day was a success.”

He did mention he would probably be sore the next day or two and coach Erik Spoelstra reiterated that point, still holding back game clearance.

If it were up to Udonis alone, he would be on that court tomorrow, throwing his body against the likes of Elton Brand and Spencer Hawes.

Haslem admitted as much, saying, “What I think, and then probably what’s smart and what the coaches think, are two different things.”

Boston, New York, or whoever this team plays in the next round, pending they get past Philly first, better watch out. This man’s return is inevitable.