Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
For Spoelstra, trusted Haslem’s time has come
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — This, Erik Spoelstra said Wednesday, wasn’t a case of breaking open in case of emergency, but instead a case of believing the timing was right to inject Udonis Haslem into the Miami Heat mix.
Prior to Saturday’s victory over the Brooklyn Nets, the 38-year-old tri-captain had appeared only twice over the previous 36 games. But then there he was back on the court for Monday’s victory over the Atlanta Hawks, as well.
“I trust him,” Spoelstra said before Wednesday night’s game against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. “And he’s been in so many of these moments. He knows how important the little things are, the details and the intensity, all of those things. And in short bursts, I think, he’s given our team a great emotional boost.
“And not only do I trust him, but the players really trust him. We’ll continue to do that when needed.”
Spoelstra said it wasn’t necessarily a case of waiting until March to keep the wear down on the veteran power forward.
“I’ve always trusted him,” he said, “and in these moments of truth over the years, I’ve always turned to the guys that have been there and done it before. And UD has risen to that occasion so many times.
“And it wasn’t necessarily about a plan right now. Our backs are against the wall. We’ve had some injuries. We’ve had some different circumstances. And he was needed. And I’ll continue to use him as needed.”
Haslem said the approach has been the same for each game, even those weeks and months when his number wasn’t called.
“Just stay ready, whatever the situation is,” he said. “Come in, defend, add some toughness, some leadership, making sure I’m communicating defensively. Just the things that sometimes we struggle with consistency-wise.
“For me, I’m the guy that comes in to be that anchor and just be consistent for our guys, whether it’s two, three minutes, four minutes, or whatever it is.”
Dragic stays: The Heat made the trip without point guard Goran Dragic, the only player on the roster not to travel to Charlotte.
Dragic had been sidelined since December knee surgery before returning to play four games off the bench beginning Feb. 23. He since has missed three games with a strained left calf.
“He’s back at home for a reason,” Spoelstra said. “He’s doing extensive round-the-clock work right now. He’s very eager to get back.”
Whiteside’s role: Center Hassan Whiteside, back for his second game after missing three with a strained left hip, continues to be cast in a reserve role, something that had not been the case over these past three seasons until Monday.
“I think he was able to handle that well coming off the injury,” Spoelstra said. “It really gives us something different, the size on both ends of the court. That’s all it’s about right now, all hands on deck.”
Jack added: The addition of veteran point guard Jarrett Jack to the Heat’s G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, was made as a move solely to boost the developmentalleague team, not with an eye toward the Heat roster.
Jack effectively takes the place of point guard Briante Weber on the Skyforce, with Weber having signed last month in Greece.
Jack, 35, last played in the NBA last season with the New York Knicks.
Jack was with the New Orleans Pelicans for training camp before being waived prior to the season on Oct. 13.
Jack is eligible to be signed by any NBA team, with his Skyforce contract having no impact on the Heat roster, salary cap or luxury tax.