Ira Winderman: Udonis Haslem and his Heat road from Mr. 305 to suburban 954 dad

Over the upcoming week, Mr. 305 deservedly will be honored for 20 seasons of service to team and community by the Miami Heat.

Born and raised in the hardscrabble inner-city of Miami, few players, in any sport, are as identified with their hometown than Udonis Haslem.

And yet, for these past two decades, Mr. 305 has actually been Mr. 954, living first in Davie upon his Heat arrival and now in the semi-rural setting of Southwest Ranches.

By no means has that meant turning his back on his roots, just as often found in Miami-Dade with his philanthropic and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Just a husband and father, like many husbands and fathers, seeking the better life for his family that he only could imagine growing up.

To Haslem, Broward is the oasis, while Miami-Dade remains the pride.

The tranquility of the suburbs, he said, allows the passion to flourish both in the locker room and in the community when he crosses the county line.

1. Homepage
2. Pioneer Press
3. Ira Winderman: Udonis Haslem and his Heat road from Mr. 305 to suburban 954 dad