Haslem 3rd in votes for Teammate award
MIAMI Udonis Haslem’s status as one of the most respected players in the NBA was confirmed at Monday’s NBA Awards, with the Miami Heat forward, despite barely playing this season, finishing third in the balloting for the Twyman-Stokes Teammate Award.
Haslem, whose 2017-18 season was limited to 72 minutes over 14 appearances, none in the playoffs, finished behind winner Jamal Crawford of the Minnesota Timberwolves and runner-up Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs, well ahead of fourth-place Antonio Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans in the voting of fellow players.
The Heat did not have any finalists in the voting for the major awards, but had a solid showing in the media balloting for the Sixth Man Award won by Los Angeles Clippers guard Lou Williams, with guard Wayne Ellington fourth in that balloting, big man Kelly Olynyk fifth and guard Dwyane Wade placing 10th.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, one of the three finalists for the award in 2017, placed in a tie for 10th for Coach of the Year. By contrast, forward Josh Richardson, pushed by Spoelstra as a potential Defensive Player of the Year candidate, did not receive any votes in that category, but did receive one vote for the Most Improved Player Award.
The Heat did not receive any votes in the balloting for Most Valuable Player or Rookie of the Year.
The Heat were shut out in the voting for the AllNBA, All-Defensive and AllRookie teams that were previously announced.
In the voting by fellow executives, Heat President Pat Riley placed 14th, with a single third-place vote.
Haslem already has been extended an invitation by Riley to return for a 16th season with the Heat, but the veteran power forward said he is weighing potential opportunities for playing time elsewhere. He becomes a free agent Sunday.
iwinderman@ sunsentinel.com. Follow him at twitter.com/iraheatbeat or facebook.com/ ira.winderman