Magic Johnson suggested it, and ESPN listened. The network just announced that Udonis Haslem is joining their team as a full-time NBA analyst. With appearances lined up on NBA Today, First Take, Get Up, and SportsCenter, it’s clear the Haslem is about to be a major voice in basketball media. And well, his best friend Dwyane Wade couldn’t wait to celebrate this moment.
Wade wasted no time. Taking to Instagram, he shared Haslem’s big moment on his IG story with a simple but heartfelt four-word message: “Yes sir my brother .” No long speeches, no elaborate captions—just pure support from one Heat legend to another.
After all, their bond goes way back. When Wade joined the Miami Heat in 2003, he and Haslem were just two young guys trying to find their way in the league. Off the court, they spent their time watching football, hitting local bars, and building a friendship that would outlast their playing days. “That’s how it started for us,” Wade once said.
Fast forward over 20 years, and their friendship hasn’t faded. Last summer, when Wade took on a new challenge as a color commentator for the Olympics, he made sure to give Haslem his flowers. During the opening match, he emphasized the importance of leadership, saying, “You need those Udonis Haslem types.”
That shoutout didn’t go unnoticed. Reporter Will Manso quickly shared the moment on X, and Haslem, clearly touched, reposted it on his Instagram story with the caption: “My Brotha…” and a handshake emoji.
Oct 18, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Miami Heat power forward Udonis Haslem (left) shares a laugh with shooting guard Dwyane Wade (right) during the second half at AT&T Center. The Heat won 111-108 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
But do you know how Haslem secured this impressive opportunity?
Udonis Haslem’s impressive stint
It all started during ESPN’s coverage of the 2024 NBA playoffs. Udonis Haslem made such a strong impression as a guest analyst on First Take and Get Up that even Magic Johnson had to speak up. The Hall of Famer took to social media, urging ESPN to lock in Haslem for a full-time role.
“ESPN—You definitely have an excellent team of ex-players already with Kendrick Perkins, Jay Williams, Tim Legler, and JJ Reddick… but you should hire Udonis Haslem permanently!” Johnson tweeted last May. He didn’t stop there, adding, “He’s been spectacular at breaking down the NBA playoffs—from the players’ game and mentality, to the x’s and o’s, as well as the philosophy of the game… Udonis has done it with intelligence, charisma, and flair. And he’s funny too!”
Beyond his on-air success, Haslem is no stranger to analyzing the game. A three-time NBA champion with the Miami Heat, he spent 20 seasons in the league before transitioning into a front-office role with the team. He also co-hosts The OGs podcast with fellow ex-player Mike Miller, a show that has already racked up 116K subscribers.
Now, Haslem’s move to ESPN adds another layer to the growing competition for NBA TV talent. With NBC Sports and Amazon Prime Video entering the broadcast rights game, networks are stacking up big names. And Haslem? He’s proving he belongs to that list.
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