Miami Heat’s Udonis Haslem nearing return

The Heat’s co-captain and inspirational leader, Haslem practiced back-to-back days Tuesday and Wednesday for the first time since tearing a tendon in his left foot in November.

Coach Erik Spoelstra called the benchmark a significant step in Haslem’s recovery and said a meeting with the Heat’s coaches, training staff and Haslem is scheduled to discuss a potential return.

“We will have discussions in the next few days to evaluate very clearly where he is right now,” Spoelstra said.

The back-to-back practices were “probably the first real significant step of progress that he’s had. He hasn’t been able to do that until now.”

Haslem participated in a full-contact practice Tuesday and then went through the Heat’s entire shootaround Wednesday morning. Before Wednesday, Haslem was required to sit a day or two after practicing as a precautionary step.

Guard Dwyane Wade, who has returned from shoulder surgery in the past, said Haslem’s back-to-back practices were positive signs. Wade said Haslem looked “quick and efficient” both days.

“The huge thing for anyone coming off surgery, especially in U.D.’s case, is being able to go back-to-back after you do something like that to see how you feel the next day,” Wade said. “His body is going to tell him when he’s ready, and I think as a team we will all know exactly, so it’s been positive to see him practice [Tuesday] — go through a hard practice.”

Spoelstra cautioned that “we’re not quite there yet” for Haslem’s return. He was inactive Wednesday along with center Erick Dampier and rookie center Dexter Pittman.

“At least now there is some daylight at the end of the tunnel for some discussions about it,” Spoelstra said.

Spoelstra said Haslem’s return to practice has already boosted the team’s morale, but nothing would compare to the inspirational jolt of Haslem’s return for Game 1 of a potential series against the Celtics.

“I think it will be as loud as it has been in the Miami Heat arena,” Wade said.

Miller’s progress

Reserve Mike Miller hasn’t been a factor in the first-round playoff series, but that could change, Spoelstra said.

The coach said before Wednesday’s game that Miller practiced well Tuesday, a positive first step in returning to the rotation. Limited by an injured left thumb that could require surgery after the postseason, Miller did not play in Games 3 or 4 and only had logged six minutes of playing time in the first round before Wednesday.

“He is making some progress in terms of being able to deal with the thumb injury,” Spoelstra said. “He’s finally got a brace now that works and is giving him some comfort, so I’ll have to reevaluate that. I don’t know if that necessarily changes things [Wednesday night] but it’s making me think.”

Mandich tribute

Spoelstra offered some touching remarks from the Heat to Jim Mandich’s family before Wednesday’s game. Mandich, a former Dolphins player and broadcaster, died Tuesday.

“It is a sad day in South Florida, and our thoughts go out to the Mandich family. He was an icon here in South Florida for all of us that are Dolphins fans,” Spoelstra said. “We’re so used to his voice. It’s a sad day.”