MIAMI – Udonis Haslem is preparing for season No. 14 with the Miami Heat.
The forward held a conference call with reporters on Tuesday.
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Haslem said he's excited to have played his entire career with the Heat.
"Just glad to be back, obviously," Haslem said. "For the 13 years I've been a part of this organization, I've always had my mind on finishing it this way, with this organization."
However, for the first time coming into the league, Haslem will be playing without Dwyane Wade as a teammate.
"I never envisioned finishing without my brother," Haslem said. "But, I think the 13 years I spent with him, 13 years I've spent playing with some of the greatest players in the league, has prepared me for the next step."
Haslem plans to lead the "next generation" of the Heat. He wants to use the leadership that Wade taught him to lead this Heat group.
As the Heat prepares for the season, Haslem think it's important for the new group to get together.
Haslem believes that getting to know each other off the court, translates into winning.
"It's not all about basketball, showing up to practice and going out to win games," he said. "You build relationships off the floor, and that just helps your talent on the floor."
Haslem said Wade's departure hasn't quite hit him, but he's ready for the road ahead.
"It's real. It's definitely real, but it hasn't set in 100 percent," Haslem said. "From the conversations that I've had with Chris Bosh, once we step in the gym for practice that first day, that's when it's going to be really real. Obviously, Dwyane's not there. ... a new step and a new direction we're heading in."
Haslem said he's trying not to read about Wade leaving and trying not to focus on it.