5 things the Miami Heat need from Hassan Whiteside

Feb 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 16, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) between plays against the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Miami Heat defeated the Sacramento Kings 95-83. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) between plays against the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Miami Heat defeated the Sacramento Kings 95-83. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

5. Let Go Of The Past

Whiteside has not had an easy road to success. Between being drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 2010, only to end up floating around in the D-League and overseas until 2014, and being labeled an immature hot-head when he first came to South Beach… he has certainly had to overcome some obstacles.

However, in order to ensure smooth sailing moving forward, Whiteside truly has to put all of that behind him.

It is always a good idea to find motivation among negativity, but letting hate get in the way of performance is a whole other story. And unfortunately, in the past, Whiteside has allowed just that to occur. Feeling as though he had to prove the naysayers wrong, the big man would often find himself in hot water because he let his emotions get the best of him.

And although that was less so the case last year, as his first with Miami, there is still room for progress.

By this point, Whiteside has certainly proved his worth. So it is time to stop focusing on that, once and for all.

Next: 4. Mr. Mentor