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As Hassan Whiteside balls out, his free agency value rises

By Joseph Zapata

Apr 17, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) applies pressure to Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson (25) during the first half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) applies pressure to Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson (25) during the first half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Hassan Whiteside has helped the Miami Heat in the playoffs, and is helping himself in the process.

With an open Eastern Conference, and a legitimate chance at an NBA Finals appearance, the Miami Heat will need Hassan Whiteside to step up when the stage lights are their brightest, but each monster performance by the 7-footer could end up hurting Micky Arison’s wallet.

The Heat find themselves in a peculiar situation. In the team’s first two playoff games this season, Whiteside has been absolutely phenomenal, averaging 19 points, 12 rebounds, 2.5 blocks. Most importantly, he’s been hugely efficient, shooting 89.5 percent from the field. He’s missed two shots all postseason.

The big man has stepped up at the time this team needs him most. Without an efficient and productive Whiteside, there’s little-to-no chance the Heat can dethrone the Cleveland Cavaliers atop the East; but each monster performance he records instantly boosts Whiteside’s chances of receiving a max contract.

When Dragic floats him an alley-oop pass, Whiteside doesn’t see a ball, he sees a large dollar sign, which he forcefully slams into his bank account.

Back in January, Miami sports personality, and known friend of Pat Riley, Dan Le Batard, reported that the Godfather was “not convinced” future with the franchise, and if the center was truly worthy of a max contract (per slicemiami).

Since then, Whiteside had been relegated to the bench for much of the regular season; where he has surprisingly flourished. He’s been a more willing passer, a more responsible defender, and he’s reduced his turnovers in the paint. It’s been enough to earn him his starting spot back in time for the playoffs.

Since Bosh’s absence, Whiteside has been exactly what the Heat have asked; an efficient scorer, who can protect the paint when called upon. Before the All-Star break, Whiteside had a net rating of only 0.9, but since then, he’s recorded a plus-six net rating.

However, proclaiming a player is worthy of a max contract after only three months of excellent play is a bit of a knee-jerk reaction, but we’ve seen in the past the types of contracts players can garner after only short stretches of success. Jeremy Lin is always a good example of a player turning a hot streak into a big payday.

When you look around the league, it makes sense as to why Whiteside would demand a max deal. DeAndre Jordan was offered several big deals last free agency, and he’s not as young, athletic or as skilled of a scorer as Whiteside.

It’s also worth noting just how little Whiteside has made during his NBA career. Once relegated to playing in Lebanon, the third place Defensive Player of the Year nominee is making under a million dollars this year, and it’s understandable why a player of his background would jump at the opportunity to make as much money as humanly possible.

Next: Joe Johnson chose Heat over 2x the money from OKC

So if you’re the Heat, or just a Heat fan, the question you have to ask yourself is: If Whiteside plays at his very best, does this team have a legitimate chance at an NBA Finals appearance? Because if your answer is “no,” then this postseason might be costly with no real reward.

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