Most Improved: Hassan Whiteside
Apr 11, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) is fouled by Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
David (who voted for Beasley): I know, I know…I’m probably being a bit contrarian here, considering the incredible leap that Whiteside took in his development. But, in the true spirit of the award, Beasley made a pretty big leap himself and almost none of it had to do with his ability to play basketball. Being able to overcome years of knuckleheadedness (definitely a word) deserves recognition and no one else is going to give it to him. He took less shots than he did in year’s past, was a solid teammate and he re-committed to defense. And all without complaint! He came across as humble and self-aware for the first time in his career (and perhaps his life) and I hope we witnessed the most incredible transformation of all.
Not of a basketball player but a transformation of the human spirit. I guess drinking snake juice in the Ancient Orient could have had a positive effect, after all.
Allana: I went back and forth between Hassan Whiteside and Michael Beasley, but Whiteside does seem like the obvious choice right? Beasley certainly took back his reputation but I do not feel as though he played enough to have showcased tangible improvements. Whiteside on the other hand went from a guy no one wanted to even work out, to being an overnight sensation. There is no one else in the league like him right now and to think no one had heard of him just a year ago is…mind-blowing. And even though he was great at the start of the season, he has gotten even better, and will probably only continue to do so.
Wes: Why was this such a hard decision for you two? Clearly the answer is Hassan Whiteside! We didn’t even know this man EXISTED when the season started and all of a sudden he’s one of the best shot blockers in the league? I get the temptation to vote for Beasley–who will always have a special place in the hearts of Heat fans–but Whiteside might be in the running for the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award. The answer is clear.
Next: Heat Check Podcast: Wrapping Up the Season and Draft Talk