2. Hassan Whiteside
Whiteside entered the NBA back in 2010, the 33rd overall pick to the Sacramento Kings. Spending most of his tenure there in the D-League and eventually going overseas, Whiteside would catch the eye of Erik Spoelstra and the Heat coaching staff in early 2014, eventually earning himself a roster spot for the rest of the season.
What the Heat and Hassan didn’t know, is that he would go on to break out in an enormous way down the stretch of the 2015 season, averaging a double-double over 48 games. He wasn’t finished there, either.
Building off that successful breakout campaign, Whiteside put up 14.8 points, 11.8 rebounds and 3.7 blocks in 73 games this season.
With big numbers comes big bucks, and Whiteside will definitely be looking to cash in. Will the Heat be able to offer the max? That is yet to be seen, and Hassan himself has stated he would prefer to remain in Miami. Dollar signs are big to a 26-year-old. Who knows? Maybe the Lakers can lure him to L.A. for the max, or maybe Charlotte, who could be ready to move on from Al Jefferson.
Either way, Whiteside will have himself a handsome check cut this offseason, and if everything works out, it’ll be in black and red block letters.
Prediction: Whiteside re-signs with the Heat on a four-year, near-max deal.
Next: 1. Dwyane Wade