Top 5 Miami Heat Centers of All Time

4. Hassan Whiteside

MIAMI, FL – APRIL 9: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket during the game against Zhaire Smith #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers on April 9, 2019 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

Another controversial decision, but Whiteside deserves to be on this list. He’s only 26 years old, and he only has one year under his belt with the Heat, but Whiteside quickly proved to be one of the best bigs in the league.

According to ESPN Hollinger Stats, Whiteside ranked first in the Eastern Conference last season in player efficiency rating. Yes, even better than LeBron James. Understanding that number is probably a little inflated, it still proves that Whiteside is a top-notch player.

Per 36 minutes, Whiteside averaged 17.8 points, 15.2 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks. In the month of April, he averaged 31.7 minutes, 16.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game. If Whiteside can do that over an entire season, he would be considered the best center in the league, hands down.

Whiteside proved to be a menace on both sides of the floor, ranking fifth among all qualified players in points saved per game around the rim (per Nylon Calculus). Basically, this means Whiteside was one of the best rim protectors in the league last season.

Whiteside’s resume may be short, but this kid can ball. If he stays in a Heat Uniform, he could climb to the top of this list.

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