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Miami Heat: Five back up options if Hassan Whiteside leaves

By Cory Sanning

Apr 1, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) reacts during the game against the Sacramento Kings in the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Miami won 112-106. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) reacts during the game against the Sacramento Kings in the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Miami won 112-106. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) looks to play a ball as Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) tries to defend during the third quarter in game six of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Cleveland Cavaliers won 113-87. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
May 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) looks to play a ball as Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) tries to defend during the third quarter in game six of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Cleveland Cavaliers won 113-87. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

2. DeMar DeRozan

This may come as a shocker to most Heat fans, and I know I will probably get killed for this, considering DeRozan’s go-to nickname from Miami fans on social media is “DeFrozen,” but there aren’t many better options out there.

As the second-best player on a team that was two wins shy of the NBA Finals last season, DeRozan is a terrific overall shooting guard adept at getting to the rim and finishing through contact, as well as making tough shots. While most point out his inconsistencies, DeRozan is more than capable of putting up 40 or more on any given night, and being just 26 years old, provides a good plan for the future of two guard position in Miami beyond Dwyane Wade, who will turn 35 this upcoming season.

Just this past season, DeRozan averaged 23.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and four assists per game, and was a key factor in Toronto winning 50 games and reaching the conference finals. Albeit all that, his biggest liability is also Miami’s: three point shooting.

DeRozan is shooting at a mere 28 percent clip from downtown for his career, and didn’t fare much better when he shot just 33 percent from that distance last year.

All that being said, DeRozan is still a young, developing star that lofts up terrible shots over double and triple teams. He depended far too much on free throws in the postseason and his lack of a three-point shot turned him a bit one-dimensional at times. Either way, Toronto is going to max him, and there’s no doubt DeRozan is looking cash in on a big pay-day.

Overall, a really good player, but not a “best” or “second-best” player on a championship team. DeRozan also reportedly will not meet with other teams and will focus on re-signing with the Raptors, so, take a deep exhale Heat fans.

Next: 1. The Whale

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