#NBA legend Udonis Haslem on his favorite Miami hot spots

“To me, this is Magic City, because the impossible becomes possible here,” says Miami Heat power forward Udonis Haslem — who went from being undrafted after graduating from the University of Florida in 2002 to now playing his 19th season for the hometown team. Haslem, who grew up in Miami’s Liberty City, is a three-time NBA champ and the all-time rebound leader for the Heat. At 41, the 6-foot, 8-inch team captain (for 15 years running) is also the oldest baller currently playing in the NBA. But there’s so much more to No. 40 than what you see on the court.

Married to his college sweetheart — sports broadcaster Faith Rein-Haslem — “UD” has been busy creating local jobs (as part owner in local franchises like Starbucks, Subway, and Einstein Bros. Bagels) and affordable housing (through Haslem Housing Venture). The father of three (the couple share three boys: Kedonis, 22, Josiah, 14, and Elijah, 10) is also helping inner-city kids reach their full potential via the Udonis Haslem Children’s Foundation. He’ll be hosting a pushup challenge in collaboration with Anatomy fitness centers and Make-A-Wish on Dec. 12.

The Prince of Miami shared with Alexa the hottest spots in his kingdom — from the beach to the club and everything in between.

“Growing up, I didn’t have a choice: You’re a Dolphins fan, or you find somewhere else to stay! I still love seeing them play here (though it will always be Joe Robbie Stadium to me).”

“Dwyane Wade and I are franchise partners, so I had a hand in creating the UD Wings. I didn’t want the spice to outlast the sweet and five minutes later your mouth is still burning. So I went through a whole process to make them exactly like I like them. I also love the DWade Burger, the Tartufo Pizza and the Perfect Caesar — the chicken is made in the 800-degree wood-fired oven and literally shaved off the bone, so it’s a different flavor than a typical Caesar salad.”

“I always get the oxtail and all the desserts. This Marcus Samuelsson restaurant is distinctly Overtown. Back in the day, famous African Americans, like Ray Charles and Jackie Robinson, couldn’t stay in Miami Beach, they had to stay in Overtown. Red Rooster pays tribute to that history to go along with their great food.”

“My wife, Faith, and I visit often. It’s the perfect day date. You learn the history of graffiti, from when it was just seen as something illegal, up until now, when it’s accepted as an art form — which it should have been seen as from the jump.”

“They make really good homemade ice cream in so many flavors, but my favorite is just two scoops of vanilla served with a warm brownie.”

“Recently, my wife had COVID. I say this with the utmost respect and love possible, but I was OK being at the Mandarin Oriental for a week while she was recovering. The mani-pedis and facials at the spa, the view of Key Biscayne and downtown Miami, I was definitely not complaining!”

“I first took my wife here for her birthday seven years ago. Now, it’s our go-to date place. We can dress up or down, but it’s always delicious Italian food — some of the ingredients are even grown by the owner.”

“When I need a trim, this is where I go. Walking in feels like you are at a club, because they have music going, people are socializing and playing dominoes. It’s a fun place to be.”

“Ten years ago, Wynwood was only for homeless people and drug dealers, and now it’s one of the top tourist destinations with world-class restaurants and art. There’s even a mural of me [by artist @disem305, at 591 NW 27th St.].”

“Faith and I recently staycationed here. I had been going through some things — some family losses — and I just needed some time. The service is impeccable.”

“I take self-care seriously, and I enjoy turning off my phone and getting away from everything and getting out on a boat in Biscayne Bay or the Intracoastal Waterway. That’s very therapeutic.”

“I had never been to South Beach until my rookie year in the NBA. Everyone was happy and looked like they had achieved their goals in life. I wanted to feel carefree like that, too. Needless to say, I understood what all the hype was about.”