Udonis Haslem

Haslem decided to return to the Heat in the offseason for his 12th season in the NBA. After only playing in 46 games last season, the 34-year-old averaged 3.8 points, 0.3 assists, 0.2 steals, and 0.3 blocks in 14 minutes per contest. The Florida Gator has been a staple of Miami Heat basketball over the past decade, but last season's averages prove that Haslem is very limited in what he can contribute to the team at this point in his career. He's been on a steady decline statistically for the past seven seasons, even though that descent didn't start from all that high up to begin with, as his best season averages came in 2007-08 when he finished with 12.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. Beyond providing veteran leadership and short bursts of toughness playing behind Chris Bosh and Josh McRoberts this season, Haslem doesn't stand to contribute much else from a statistical standpoint.

Haslem is the starter at power forward, but his minutes and scoring contributions generally do not reflect that. He played in 75 games last season for Miami and is entering his 11th year with the team. Haslem averaged 7.4 points and 10.3 rebounds per 36 minutes on the floor. With a balance of scoring options in South Beach, Haslem has a nice role as a defensive specialist who can rotate down low, though he is a bit undersized at 6-8 for the position. His main contribution is on the rebounding end.

When LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade signed their deals with the Heat, all three took less money than they could have to allow Miami to retain Haslem. But the veteran big man's role has diminished significantly, partly because James has been so effective at the four spot. At this stage of his career, Haslem will likely be a part-time player that gets more run when Miami matches up against the league's more physical teams.

The Heat really missed Haslem last year, as he only played in 13 games after sustaining a serious foot injury. In those games played, Haslem averaged 8.0 PPG and 8.2 rebounds in only 26.5 minutes of playing time. Miami lacks size and depth amongst their forwards and centers, so they really hope Haslem can stay healthy this season. If that’s the case, Haslem could possibly average close to a double-double.

Haslem re-signed with the Heat this offseason. He will likely backup Chris Bosh at power forward but could also spend some time at center. Haslem came off the bench last season and averaged nearly 10 points and over eight rebounds a game, so his production should not suffer too much as long as he does not see a huge reduction in his minutes.

Haslem is a no-frills center. He collects adequate rebounding and scoring statistics while playing within his role on the team and making few mistakes. He spends most of his time away from the basket taking most of his shot attempts (67%) as jumpers. Relying so heavily on his jump shots hurts his overall field-goal percentage but he still shot a respectable 51.8 percent from the floor last year. He converts an above average number of his free-throw attempts (75.3%) for a big man. While the averages are nice, Haslem lacks some of the more flashy numbers other players at his position accumulate. His career per-game blocks average stands at a pedestrian 0.3, and his career assists (1.2) and steals (0.6) numbers are equally unflattering. Where Haslem finds extra light to shine is in his intelligence and discipline. He rarely makes mistakes on or off the court. Haslem committed just over one turnover per game last season and seldom commits poor and unnecessary fouls. Haslem started 75 games last year, but he could experience a reduced role this season. Two factors currently pose a potential threat to Haslem’s minutes in the coming season: Michael Beasley should push for more minutes at the power forward position, where Haslem spends most of his time, and increased roster health could also reduce Haslem’s opportunities. Even without those developments, Haslem will serve as the team’s fourth, fifth, or even sixth scoring option most nights, limiting his potential.

A hardworking big man in the mold of Charles Oakley, Haslem missed a significant portion of last season due to a painful bone spur condition in his ankle that required surgery. He’s expected back and near-full strength this season, but has probably been supplanted in the starting lineup by second overall pick Michael Beasley. Haslem could still emerge as a viable option for fantasy players if he picks up minutes at center – which would make sense, given the NBA’s overall trend towards smaller, quicker lineups and the fact that Miami’s options at the pivot – Mark Blount and Jamaal Magloire – leave a lot to be desired.

Haslem is one of the most consistent players in the NBA; a throwback power forward that does dirty work on the boards, hits the open jumper and doesn’t make many mistakes. This makes him an un-sexy yet valuable roto asset. He is capable of producing a double-double on a nightly basis and with good shooting percentages. When Shaquille O’Neal inevitably misses his games Haslem steps up the production even more. He shouldn’t be drafted until the later rounds in most leagues, but he does deserve a roster spot.

Haslem won't dazzle on the floor, but he's a serviceable reserve option for fantasy owners, pitching in the occasional double-double (14 last season) and not hurting in either of the percentage categories (50.8 field-goal percentage and 78.9 percent from the free-throw line).

Haslem is like the 10-years-younger version of P.J. Brown, good for 11 or so points and nine or so rebounds just about every night. He's going to lose some playing time this year, though, now that the Heat have acquired Antoine Walker and drafted Wayne Simien. The Heat did sign him to a new deal, however, so they're clearly interested in keeping him as a big part of their offense, using him to do the dirty work around the basket while defenses focus on Shaq and D-Wade. Haslem doesn't take many shots, but he shoots for a very high percentage, hitting 55% from the field last season. Haslem can contribute in a deep league or as an injury replacement, but he's more valuable to the Heat than he is to your fantasy team.

Undrafted out of Florida in 2002, Haslem went overseas to get himself into shape and hone his basketball skills. It worked. It was a surprise when Haslem was given a roster spot and a place in the regular rotation in 2003, but we soon learned why. Haslem is the ultimate team player (we imagine coach Keith Askins had something to do with this) and contributes invaluably in ways that can not be captured statistically. He is not going to ever be a fantasy star, but he will get minutes, and he will be the role player Shaquille O'Neal has always wanted at his side. Look for Haslem to be the #1 power forward all season, as he is the perfect fit for the role of the "fullback." If you need rebounds, Haslem will be a nice option.

With the loss of Alonzo Mourning, Haslem should provide depth behind Samaki Walker in 2003-04. May not provide solid fantasy numbers, but could be a solid 12th man on an NBA roster.