Udonis Haslem recently made a bold statement about the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season.
While the Celtics are coming off an NBA Championship and have high expectations, the Heat are facing uncertainty after a quiet offseason.
Despite this, Haslem is optimistic about his former team’s chances. During an episode of *The OGs Show*, he predicted the Heat could still be a top contender in the East if they stay healthy, saying, “You gotta go with the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat. A healthy Miami Heat.”
Haslem, who now works as the vice president of basketball development for the Heat, emphasized the importance of health for the team’s success.
Last season, injuries to key players like Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro hindered their playoff run, including their first-round exit against the Celtics. Miami has had a recent rivalry with Boston in the playoffs, winning two out of their three meetings in the Eastern Conference finals during the Butler era.
Though the Heat haven’t made significant roster changes during the offseason, Haslem believes they still have potential due to their young talent. He cautions against underestimating the team, even as other Eastern Conference contenders like the Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, and Orlando Magic appear to be on the rise.
