Udonis Haslem and Dwyane Wade both made their debuts in the NBA for the Miami Heat in the 2003-04 season. As the two bonded while staying at the world-renowned Mutiny hotel, a deep brotherhood was forged when the 6’8” forward made sure his fellow rookie avoided all tumultuous situations. One of which was potentially crossing paths with O.J. Simpson, an NFL star who turned into a wanted man.
Haslem made sure Wade fell into no trouble
While Wade may be best renowned for his sharing the court alongside teammates like Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Shaquille O’Neal, Haslem played the most games (834) besides him. Recounting the moment when they started looking for each other on an episode of ‘All The Smoke’ podcast, UD described how he intervened to prevent the 2006 Finals MVP from exchanging any pleasantry with Simpson’s woman.
“Me and D-Wade was living in the Mutiny, and O.J.’s woman tried to holla at D-Wade,” Haslem said . “Man, I told D-Wade, ‘Man, I don’t know, that’s O.J.’s woman. I don’t know if he did it or didn’t do it, but we might have to handle him if he come over here playing. ”