Haslem dons Dolphins gear, ready to line up at TE

MIAMI — Typically, the NFL draft conflicts with the NBA playoffs. That typically leaves Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem with other concerns at this juncture of the calendar.

But with the NBA season shut down by the new coronavirus pandemic, and with the NFL moving forward with its selections, there was the Heat captain Thursday with his Miami Dolphins helmet on hand and his focus squarely on his childhood heroes.

“There’s a lot of crazy that’s going on, a lot things we weren’t prepared for, a lot things that we didn’t even know how to handle. But the one thing we do know how to do is we know how to back our Dolphins,” Haslem said in a video posted on the Dolphins’ Twitter account.

“I see everything you all got going on. I see the moves being made on the defense in free agency; I see the moves being made on offense in free agency. And what they’re talking about with the draft.”

So Haslem settled in, posting videos on his Instagram from his Southwest Ranches

home of the Dolphins’ opening-night work in the draft.

“One thing I wouldn’t have had the time to do if everything was back to normal is I wouldn’t really have the time to tap into what you all got going on as much as I would like to,” he said.

That was followed by a messages to Dolphins coach Brian Flores.

“Coach Flo, I would love the opportunity to meet you,” Haslem said, having previously spoken at Dolphins training camps and practices. “I’m probably the biggest Dolphins fan ever. Ain’t nobody bigger than me. So I got to get a chance to meet you, man. Born and raised in Miami. Used to watch the Dolphins games on the big screen right across the street, from the wall, when it was Joe Robbie Stadium.”

That was followed by a pitch that essentially referenced one of Haslem’s other passions: the University of Miami football team, which provided the springboard for basketball player-turned-NFL star Jimmy Graham.

“I’m the biggest Dolphins fan you would know,” Haslem said. “And I also played a little football now, Coach. I got some free time on my hands now. I don’t know what’s going to happen with the basketball season. But just so you know, I’ll be ready.

“I noticed this little thing where basketball players go and play tight end. I’m the leading rebounder in the Heat organization. Not much goes through these hands. So if you need me, just know that the City got you. I’d do anything for this city.”

With that, Haslem, who at 39 has probably aged out of a sports crossover, spoke of the type of Dolphins turnaround that the Heat experienced this season.

“We can’t wait for the 2020 season,” Haslem said. “It’s going to be an amazing season. Coach Flo, man, I love the way you finished the season last year. I’m looking forward to another amazing season this year.”

Haslem ended his video with a simple, “Phins up.”