Miami Heat Archives - Page 2 of 10

Udonis Haslem Speaks On Shading Bill Russell

December 27, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Udonis Haslem used a recent podcast appearance to explain a story from Bam Adebayo about saying “F-ck Bill Russell” before a game against the Celtics. “I had to repent that. I love Bill. There’s no disrespect to Bill. I love Bill. He just caught that stray,” Haslem admitted. However, he went on to explain that it wasn’t a pointed comment. Instead, it was an off-handed remark as part of a large rallying cry about the Boston-Miami rivalry.

“Will you ever see a Miami Heat jersey in hanging the Boston rafters? Ever? In life? I wouldn’t give a f-ck if a Miami Heat player was on the basketball. Who’s that motherf-cker on the basketball? What’s his name? Jerry West. That motherf-cker played for the Heat, he would never hang in the rafters. He would never. They would never hang Jerry West’s Miami Heat jersey in the Boston rafters. Never in life. Respect to Bill Russell. I love him. Why the f-cker he got to hang in here?” Haslem explained.

Bill Russell Rookie Card Sells For $660,000

Earlier this year, in an auction conducted by PWCC Marketplace, a 1957 Topps Bill Russell rookie card sold for $660,000. Not only does it break the record for a Bill Russell card, but it also becomes the third-highest-selling pre-1980s basketball card. The only cards to sell for more money are a 1961 Wilt Chamberlain rookie card ($670,000, June 2022) and a 1948 George Mikan card ($800,000, March 2022).

Russell’s memorabilia was a rarity until fairly recently. In 2021, he facilitated the auction of more than 700 items from his Hall of Fame career. Sold between December 2021 and April 2022, the auction’s total profits were in excess of $9 million. This included $1 million for a game-worn jersey from the series-clinching win of the 1969 Finals. The profits were sent to a number of Boston-area charities, including Russell’s own non-profit, Mentor. However, if the past is anything to go by, the current record will not stand for long. Especially after Russell’s death, the value of his memorabilia has spiked.

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Dwyane Wade Recalls Yelling At LeBron James During 2011 Finals

November 2, 2023 by newhiphopnews

During a recent podcast appearance, Dwyane Wade recalled yelling at LeBron during their 2011 Finals run. The infamous moment occurred during Game 3 of the matchup against the Mavericks, with the series tied at 1-1. “I knew our relationship. I knew I could talk to Bron, because he could talk to me the same way. We ain’t sensitive. […] In that moment in Dallas it was coming down to me and him, and I didn’t feel like he was playing to the level he needed to for us to win. That moment may not have been for that finals, but the next finals, and the next finals, and the next finals,” Wade told the Point Forward podcast.

Miami would win Game 3, but drop the next three games to lose the series. After this, the clip of Wade getting in LeBron’s face went viral. However, it also appeared to change LeBron. His stats improved across the board and the Heat would win back-to-back titles in 2013 and 2014.

Stephen A Says LeBron Owes His Legacy To Wade

On the third episode of @pointforward, @DwyaneWade talks about how yelling at @KingJames in the 2011 NBA Finals taught him what it takes to win at the highest level.

Full episode: https://t.co/G3PyEmgXhr pic.twitter.com/JZCYQmq2Af

— SB Nation (@SBNation) November 1, 2023

However, it’s not the first time that people have noted the impact Wade had on LeBron’s career. Stephen A. Smith made a very similar claim a few months ago. “LeBron James, one could easily argue, wouldn’t even know what it’s like to be a champion had it not been for Dwyane Wade. Somebody needs to say it, so I’m going to say it,” Smith said. Smith’s argument is based on the notion that LeBron didn’t win his first championship until he linked with Wade in Miami. Of course, LeBron has won two other titles. He earned one with the Cavs in 2016 and another with the Lakers in 2020. However, Smith later clarified that LeBron remains his #2 all-time NBA player behind MJ.

In short, Smith’s argument is muddled at best. He’s not saying Wade is a better player than James, although that’s definitely what it sounds like upon first hearing it. Instead, Smith is trying to make a very labored point about LeBron finally getting the support he needed to win a championship. Honestly, the most surprising thing about this take is how pedestrian it is. Yes, Wade helped LeBron get over the championship hump. However, was that not the point of “The Decision”? Wasn’t all of this by design to get LeBron a championship-caliber supporting cast?

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Jimmy Butler Debuts New Hairstyle, Reveals Plans For Country Music Album

October 2, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Jimmy Butler is a phenomenal basketball player, and everyone should probably already know that by now. Overall, he is someone who gets his team going in the playoffs, and it has led to two NBA Finals appearances. Unfortunately, Butler has yet to win an NBA title with his squad. Despite attempts to get Damian Lillard in the offseason, it was the Bucks who ended up getting him. Now, Butler has a tough task ahead, but he is ready to go after it.

Today was NBA Media Day, and teams around the league were having players conduct photoshoots. Last season, Butler made waves for his hairstyle during media day; a hairstyle that he immediately abandoned when the season started. Subsequently, it seems like Butler has tried to recreate some of that magic as he came into media day with straightened hair. Fans immediately recognized Butler was simply going for what he tried back in 2022. However, this time around, he may have been even more successful.

Jimmy Butler Tries Something New

Nobody does Media Day like Jimmy Butler does Media Day pic.twitter.com/mjCCblN2rz

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 2, 2023

Perhaps the hair can be explained by his desire to release a country music album. While talking to Rolling Stone, Butler revealed his love of the genre and how he has been working on an album. He even has a plethora of songs written and completed. “I don’t want to tell anyone who I’ve been writing with because then it’ll ruin the surprise,” Butler explained. “Now, I’m in the lab writing and producing country music. We got some real artists and songwriters. We probably got around 45 tracks right now, and I hope to go write some more. There’s definitely going to be an album.”

Whether or not this album actually comes out, remains to be seen. However, it is crystal clear that things are getting very interesting on the NBA front these days. For Miami, the goal remains to be a championship contender, even with other teams getting significantly better. Let us know your thoughts on Butler and his goals, in the comments section below.

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Damian Lillard Rapped ‘Farewell’ To Portland And Roasted The Blazers After His Blockbuster Trade To Milwaukee

September 27, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Damian Lillard never needs an excuse to remind everyone of his rap prowess as Dame D.O.L.L.A., but a blockbuster trade from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday afternoon is as good of an excuse as he’ll ever find.

Shortly after ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news of the trade, Lillard addressed it on X (formerly known as Twitter), writing, “The casuals won’t be addressed but the Trail Blazers fans and city of Portland that I love truly will be … and they will be addressed truthfully. Stay tuned. Excited for my next chapter! @Bucks”

Roughly two hours later, Lillard shared “Farewell” to Apple Music and Tidal, with a promise that the freestyle would hit “the rest of the platforms soon.”

The casuals won’t be addressed but the trailblazers fans and city of Portland that I love truly will be … and they will be addressed truthfully. Stay tuned

Excited for my next chapter! @Bucks

— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) September 27, 2023

‘Farewell’ out on @AppleMusic and @TIDAL now. Hitting the rest of the platforms soon. #DameDOLLA

@EMPIRE for turning this around.

https://t.co/2yhhL5wHkh pic.twitter.com/jFTpLslzqX

— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) September 27, 2023

The track comes in at just under three minutes and it kept true to Lillard’s promise, reflecting on his path to this point, appreciating everyone who stood by him (“Only my loved ones make me feel free”), and holding those who bailed accountable (“Let some people in, and now these n****s disgust me / I learned that a wolf can sometimes resemble a husky”).

In the final 45 seconds, Lillard raps, “I can never be replaced / They’ll know sooner than later / An arrow pointed at who assumed it was greater / Amazing what I get in return for this labor / I’ll continue leaving trails but [inaudible] beef with the Blazers / To the fans, man, I love you / It’s unconditional / Reasons for me leaving the city’s nothing typical.”

Lillard continues, “So it’s imperative not to believe the narrative / Just know that what I left is better than what I inherited / I leave at peace because I know, in the end, that this is business / Hope you remember all the things you got to sit and witness / In the future, man, I hope we greet with hugs and kisses / But you should know that they the ones who chose another mission.”

Lillard was drafted sixth overall by the Blazers in the 2012 NBA Draft. The Oakland native has been a loyal superstar to Portland despite never sniffing an NBA title. The furthest Lillard’s Blazers made it in the NBA Playoffs was the Western Conference Finals during the 2018-19 season.

In July, reports surfaced that Lillard had requested a trade from Portland and wanted to land with the Miami Heat. Rumors swirled all summer around Lillard’s desire to join the Heat and Portland’s disinterest in accommodating his request, and the Bucks swooped in out of seemingly nowhere to pair Dame with Giannis Antetokounmpo — much to Jimmy Butler’s chagrin.

Damian Lillard Trade Reportedly Imminent, Suns Rumored To Be Involved

September 22, 2023 by newhiphopnews

There are new rumors in the Damian Lillard saga. While the destination, Miami, remains the same, several sources are now claiming that Dame will be heading to South Beach thanks to the Phoenix Suns. Suns insider Gerald Bourget has reported that the Phoenix has become an eleventh-hour dark horse solution to the long-stalled Lillard trade. Per Bourget, the Suns have received multiple calls about star center Deandre Ayton. The possible trade being offered would see the Blazers get Ayton and draft picks, the Heat get Lillard, and the Suns getting Tyler Herro.

Furthermore, sources in Portland have confirmed that Ayton’s name has come up numerous times over the past few weeks. Additionally, Portland was eyeing Ayton as a potential addition last summer. The current starting center in Portland is veteran Jusuf Nurkić. Elsewhere, long-time Arizona radio host John Gambadoro said he’s confident that the Lillard trade is coming in the “next 24 hours”.

Is The Lillard Trade Finally Happening?

The Suns have emerged as a “dark horse” to help facilitate a Damian Lillard trade, per @GeraldBourguet

“Philadelphia, Miami and Portland, as well as the Toronto Raptors and Chicago Bulls — are heating up…and many of them view the Suns as a team that could push a potential… pic.twitter.com/E72a35RZpY

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 22, 2023

The rumors have gotten the Heat fanbase very excited. South Beach has been waiting all summer for the Blazers to finally accept a deal for Lillard. Furthermore, the Lillard trade is one of two trade situations that is reportedly holding up league transactions. The other is the ongoing James Harden situation in Philadelphia. With the league essentially in a “holding pattern”, the calls for the Blazers to be more reasonable in their trade demands have only increased. Furthermore, training camps are soon to begin in the NBA, adding more pressure to finalize deals.

However, nothing is certain yet. There have been a lot of stories concerning the Lillard trade over the past few months and none have come to fruition. With no trade clause and two years left on his contract, Lillard has been at the mercy of his current team. Despite this, perhaps the Suns are about to become the heroes of South Beach. This remains a developing story and we’ll have any updates as they emerge.

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Bam Adebayo Net Worth 2023: What Is The NBA Star Worth?

September 13, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Bam Adebayo, a name that resonates with basketball enthusiasts, has made significant strides both on and off the court. As of 2023, this NBA star’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million, according to Sportskeeda, a figure that speaks volumes about his success and dedication to the sport. But how did Bam Adebayo amass such wealth? Let’s delve deeper into his journey.

Born as Edrice Femi “Bam” Adebayo in Newark, New Jersey, on July 18, 1997, Bam’s roots trace back to a Yoruba father and an African American mother. Growing up in a single-parent household, Bam’s early life was marked by challenges, but these very challenges shaped his resilience and determination.

Bam’s NBA Journey And Salary

Bam’s prowess on the basketball court led him to the NBA, where he now plays for the Miami Heat. His journey in the NBA began with an entry-level rookie deal worth $14 million spanning four years. However, his undeniable talent and consistent performance led to a five-year contract extension with the Heat in late 2020, guaranteeing him a whopping $163 million. This contract ensures Bam a base salary of $32.6 million, a testament to his value in the team.

Endorsements And Investments

Beyond his NBA salary, Bam’s net worth has been bolstered by several brand endorsement deals. He signed a multi-year contract with Nike in 2019, positioning him alongside other notable athletes. Additionally, companies like Panini America, Beats by Dre, and JBL Audio have collaborated with Bam, adding to his income streams.

Furthermore, Bam’s astute investment choices have played a role in his financial growth. A notable investment was his early backing of Beyond Meat before its IPO. This plant-based meat substitute company saw a meteoric rise in its stock value, leading to significant returns for investors, including Bam.

Lifestyle And Philanthropy

While one might assume that Bam indulges in a lavish lifestyle, he remains grounded. He resides in a luxurious rented apartment in downtown Miami, offering breathtaking views of the city. Moreover, after signing his contract extension, Bam gifted his mother a new house, showcasing his deep-rooted family values.

Beyond his personal life and professional commitments, Bam’s charitable endeavors stand out. He established “The Bam Foundation” with a vision to create opportunities for underprivileged children through sports camps and scholarship programs. Growing up witnessing poverty, Bam’s philanthropic efforts reflect his commitment to giving back to the community. Whether it’s volunteering at local schools or hospitals, Bam’s actions resonate with his belief in creating a positive impact.

Conclusion

Bam Adebayo’s journey from humble beginnings to NBA stardom is nothing short of inspirational. With a net worth of around $20 million in 2023, Bam stands as a testament to hard work, dedication, and the right choices, both on and off the court. As he continues to shine in the NBA and make a difference in society, Bam Adebayo is undoubtedly a role model for aspiring athletes and individuals alike.

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Udonis Haslem To Be Honored By Miami Marlins

August 30, 2023 by newhiphopnews

After 20 seasons, three rings, and 879 games, Udonis Haslem announced his retirement from the NBA after the Heat fell to the Nuggets in the NBA Finals. A Heat lifer, Haslem spent all but one season of his career in South Beach. That one exception was the 2002-03 season, which he spent in France against going undrafted in 2002. However, he signed with his hometown Heat in 2003 and never looked back. He was a core piece of the team’s first championship in 2006. Additionally, he served as solid depth in the Big Three era that brought back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013. Haslem ended his career with a stat line of 7.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.

Of course, newer basketball fans might not think Haslem was anything special. After all, he didn’t play in more than 40 games in a season after the 2014/15 campaign. However, that’s because he eventually ascended the need for floor time. He became a deep bench contributor, veteran leader, team mascot, and informal coach like a true basketball renaissance man. However, Haslem is taking his talents back to South Beach in a special arrangement to be honored by the city’s MLB franchise, the Marlins.

Marlins Announce September 7 As UD Night

The Marlins announced earlier this week that Haslem would be honored with a special night on September 7. Dubbed UD Night, the game will serve as yet another tribute from the city where Haslem was born, raised, and played. Additionally, Haslem will sign a one-day contract with the Marlins and throw the first pitch. The Marlins will be taking on the Dodgers in that night’s game. As mentioned in the club’s press release, Haslem attended high school less than a mile away from the Marlins’ ballpark.

“Udonis Haslem embodies the South Florida community. It is our honor to celebrate his many accomplishments on the court and in the surrounding neighborhoods of Miami with UD Night on September 7,” said Caroline O’Connor, Marlins President of Business Operations. “We could not think of a better way to recognize his commitment to the community than by supporting his newly launched foundation with a donation from every UD Night ticket.”

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Dwyane Wade Shares Emotional Tribute To Allen Iverson Upon Receiving Hall Of Fame Jacket

August 12, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Dwyane Wade has always been a player who has let his basketball speak for itself. A well-regarded figure both on and off the court, Wade truly left his mark on the NBA. During a 16-year career, Wade was a three-time champion, and 13-time All-Star. Wade is also 32nd on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, with 23,165 career points. He is perhaps best remembered for his role in the “Big Three” alongside Chris Bosh and Lebron James. Wade was seen as a no-doubt first-ballot Hall of Famer upon his retirement. However, Wade remained active in basketball following his retirement, buying a minority share in the Utah Jazz in 2021. Wade went as far as to call then-Jazz star Donovan Mitchell “Dwyane Wade 2.0”.

Wade officially became a first-ballot Hall of Famer earlier this year. He joins one of the most stacked Hall of Fame classes of all time. Wade enters the Hall alongside legends such as Pau Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, Gregg Popovich, and Becky Hammon. Other inductees included the late Jim Valvano and the 1976 Women’s Olympic Basketball Team. Wade, along with other inductees, will officially be enshrined in the Hall later today (August 12). However, Wade has already received one of the customary recognitions.

Wade Receives His Orange Jacket

In a ceremony held on August 11, Wade was given his official Hall of Fame orange jacket. His jacket was presented by one of Wade’s heroes, fellow NBA icon Allen Iverson. “It means everything to me,” Wade told PEOPLE. “I wear the number three jersey because of Allen Iverson and just have so much respect for that man. No one has been able to use [Iverson] yet, and that I’m the first one to be able to say Allen Iverson has presented me into the Hall of Fame…that right there, if you tell 17-year-old Dwyane that, I wouldn’t believe you.”

Initially, Wade wanted his longtime Miami Heat co-star Udonis Haslem to present him. However, your presenter must be an existing Hall of Famer and Haslem only announced his retirement this offseason. “So, when I started thinking about guys that are Hall-of-Famers, guys that I looked up to, right away three names came to mind,” Wade says. “It’s Michael Jordan, it’s Kobe Bryant, and it’s Allen Iverson. Obviously, my brother Kobe couldn’t be in that seat, couldn’t be in one of those chairs to present me in.” Eventually, Wade settled on the Sixers legend.

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Dwyane Wade Brushes Off Latest Paul Pierce Beef

August 9, 2023 by newhiphopnews

In a recent appearance on It Is What It Is, Paul Pierce took aim at his longtime rival, Dwyane Wade. “My skills went unappreciated because I didn’t get to play with a lot of great players,” Pierce told Cam’ron and Ma$e when discussing the lack of consistent success in his long NBA career. Furthermore, Pierce said that if his “Big Three” with Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen had come together sooner, he would have multiple NBA rings. This of course was widely taken as a knock against Wade and the implication that Wade’s success came from his partnership with LeBron and Chris Bosh.

It’s hard to put up a 1-to-1 comparison of the two players, namely because they didn’t play the same position. However, Wade is widely considered the better play. He put up better points and assists per game as well as being the better shooter. Of course, Pierce had a three-point shot that Wade didn’t. However, at the end of the day, they are both Hall of Fame players with iconic careers. Wade just happens to have more rings than Pierce. Furthermore, instead of re-igniting a mostly dormant beef, Wade just found Pierce’s new comments kind of amusing.

Wade Takes A Playful Jab At Pierce

“Rent’s expensive in America and I’m living rent-free,” Wade told The Dan Le Batard Show. “This is why I love the media. It’s documented. I don’t need to say anything, everything is documented. I’ll just let y’all talk about all that, it sounds better from y’all anyway. I’m done playing the game of basketball, I’m not comparing myself to someone who’s playing the game or not playing the game. That’s not my challenge anymore…I went and got my Avengers. And everybody was mad that I got to play with different guys.”

Of course, Paul Pierce isn’t the only person who has been talking a little bit of trash about Wade. Fellow 2023 Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki also opened up about Wade in a recent interview. “I wouldn’t say we’re friends,” the Mavs icon said. “I think there’s a mutual sense of respect for each other’s career and obviously were cordial. There’s no bad blood, obviously, anymore. We all moved on, things were said on both sides or done that neither side liked, but that’s part of competition at the highest level.”

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Rolling Loud and Miami Heat’s “Action Week” Benefits Florida Youth Amidst Anti-Black Political Environment

July 21, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Rolling Loud and the Miami Heat joined forces for an action-packed week of community initiatives and festivities leading up to the weekend music festival. The community events sought to engage and make a positive impact on Miami youth amidst recent state legislation that has been slammed by the NAACP as “anti-black.” Rolling Loud Action Week […]

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