Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside has continued to be the biggest story out of South Beach.
Hassan Whiteside is no longer just a blimp on the league’s radar; he is here to stay.
The 26-year-old North Carolina native has been in and out of the NBA since 2010, when he was drafted No. 33 overall by the Sacramento Kings. Before coming to the Miami Heat in 2014, he played for five Developmental League teams and was a part of the Chinese National Basketball and Lebanese Basketball Leagues. He was overlooked and underused, a total waste of talent and potential.
But then president Pat Riley took a chance on him.
And since November of 2014, the center has made quite a name for himself.
In the beginning of January, he recorded his first career double-double after helping lead his team to success over the Brooklyn Nets, finishing the game with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks. He recorded his first triple-double later than month, in a win against the Chicago Bulls, totaling 14 points, 13 rebounds and 12 blocks (a franchise record). During his first year in Miami, he averaged 11.8 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.6 blocks.
The phenomenon of Whiteside’s game did not end there though. And everyone took notice.
"“I’ve never been around that kind of turnaround,” Riley said. “We’ve had some players that we’ve opened our eyes up on, but I think what Hassan did last year and what he’s doing now, his level of play now, it’s just all about more experience, more reps, and understanding how important he is to us.”"
After battling an injury and returning to the team in a new role, the young buck tailed 25 points, and 23 rebounds in late February; this was just the eleventh time in NBA history that any bench player scored at least 20 points and 20 rebounds. And the very next day, Whiteside went on to grab his 1000 career rebound (in his ninety-fifth game), placing him ahead of Alonzo Mourning (96), Kevin Willis (98) and the great Shaquille O’Neal himself (99) for the fastest Heat player to reach that career milestone.
In other words, not only was the Whiteside hype still real, but he was somehow doing even better coming off of the bench.
It was not just his ability on the court that got better, either.
After a few demonstrations of immaturity last year, the once hot-headed big man has turned a new leaf. While his emotions may still run high, he has certainly come to understand that some battles simply are not worth fighting for.
"“I’m just going to leave officials alone,” Whiteside explained in reference to bad calls. “I’m not even going to say nothing to ’em. It’s not even worth the money at this point. I don’t have enough money to just be speaking up like that.”"
Heat Nation certainly took note of their newest star immediately, but at this point, the entire league has fallen victim to Whiteside’s dominance.
But Whiteside’s impact continues to grow outside of just the world of basketball. For instance, he is in part to thank for DJ Khaled’s “major key” trend.
"“He asked me what I thought about Snapchat,” Whiteside explained. “I said, ‘I think you should get a Snapchat.’ And DJ Khaled just got a Snapchat and took it to another level.”"
Whiteside was also in Future’s music video for a song off of DJ Khaled’s album, “I Changed A Lot.”
Now, the Miami Heat are heading to the playoffs (after missing the postseason last year) and Whiteside is only further proving he is still developing.
"“The learning never stops with me and coach Spo[elstra],” Whiteside said, after he was benched for taking too many long-jumpers. “He wants perfection from me. He is always saying I can do something better. Every day is a learning experience, and that’s what he’s here to do. He’s there to teach and make me the best player I can be.”"
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And regardless of how the team does moving forward, this summer will also be all about Whiteside.
"“…in my 50 years in the NBA, I have never seen that kind of phenomenon.” Riley said about his new star. “I know this is hurting me right now as far as his free agency goes because I’m complimenting him, but he’s grown a lot.”"