This Former Miami Heat Star Is Now Playing A Coveting Role That He Coined Late In His Career.
John Wall was once one of the NBA’s brightest starts before injuries slowed his career.
At 33, he wants one more shot at playing. He’s willing to take on a role many Miami Heat fans are familiar with. Speaking on the Podcast P with Paul George, Wall said he would serve as a mentor to younger players just as Udonis Haslem did late in his career.
“I’m willing to accept any role it is to be on a team,” Wall stated. “Whether it’s acting like Udonis Haslem or not acting like Udonis Haslem. Anything like that, all I want is to be wearing an NBA jersey once more because I know how much I still have left in the game and how much it means to me. I’m prepared to take it if it means coaching or mentoring a squad or helping them play.”
Haslem’s fame is further enhanced by the fact that he has a role named after him. The Heat recognised his worth even though supporters berated them for “wasting” a roster spot.
“When you’ve got 20 years of experience, like he does, and he’s knowledgeable and he has the appropriate temperament for this organization, we want him to stay in this organization as long as he wants to be,” Heat club president Pat Riley previously stated. “I would love to have UD around in whatever capacity, but I mean, defining exactly what it is that he wants to do.”