"I pulled Udonis [Haslem] and [Dwyane] Wade to the side and talked to them separately," Mourning said during a news conference. "I thought it was only fitting that they'd hear about it from me and no one else.

"I told them I loved and appreciated my relationship with them, and to continue to lead by example. They will continue to do great things in this game."

And just like that, the torch was passed finally, and officially, to the franchise's leader, Wade, and current "on- and off-the-court warrior" Haslem.

Haslem said he was surprised by Mourning's decision, but he understood it.

"I guess everybody always thought that he'd just keep playing and keep playing and keep playing," Haslem said. "For as hard as he works, he's always around here in the weight room, trying to get himself healthy.

"We assumed he'd come back. In actuality, he probably did the best thing for himself."

Haslem, in his sixth season, is the player that has most resembled the same gritty, hard-nosed style of play in the low post that Mourning displayed during his 15-year NBA career. Haslem's serious demeanor resembles Mourning's intense look that made him an intimidating player on the court for so many years.

"Zo's been a great mentor for me," Haslem said. "I had an opportunity to play with some great players. But none of them made a greater impact on my career than Alonzo, with the things I've learned from him about this league. It's on the floor and off the floor. It's just work ethic, period."

Haslem also has shown the resiliency to withstand pain and injury. On Saturday against Houston, Haslem fell on his back. He shook it off and returned to finish the game.

"It's a good comparison," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "They're both extremely tough physically, with warrior mentalities. They can also be sincere and heartfelt with their teammates. Alonzo and Udonis are the first that will go to a teammate and ask what he can do to help."

Haslem said he would like to have a career as long and productive as Mourning's, but without the unfortunate health issues that hampered Mourning late in his career. Haslem also joked about wanting to avoid comparisons to Mourning in another physical aspect.

"Hopefully, I'll keep my hair," Haslem said. "I don't want to go bald at all. I'm not looking forward to that. But those are some big shoes to fill. He's done a lot for this organization."

This season, Haslem has become even more valuable to a team back in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. Haslem is the team's leader in rebounds and is tied with Shawn Marion for the most double-doubles.

But what Spoelstra values most is Haslem's dedication to his craft and teammates.

"Udonis is another one of those guys that represents what we've tried to build on this team in a positive way," Spoelstra said. "He's a true professional."

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