How the Miami Heat can build around Hassan Whiteside
By Cory Sanning
Post offense
While Whiteside flashes a smooth jump hook and drop step every now and then, he has barely sniffed his potential on the offensive end. Whiteside averaged 7.0 post touches per game last season, fifth most in the NBA. His 66 percent conversion rate was strong, but lagged behind better post-up threats like Anthony Davis, Jonas Valanciunas, Al Horford and Dwight Howard.
Part of the problem is that he can be susceptible to forcing shots. He’s a reluctant passer, passing the ball out of the post less (just 9.2 percent of the time) than any other player averaging 4.5 post touches per game last season, per NBA.com.
Getting his teammates involved will be key as this team builds around him. But the Heat also need to be able to feed Whiteside in the post. Last season, Dwyane Wade assisted Whiteside a team-high 92 times in the post. The next closest was Goran Dragic, just 65 times. Not only will Dragic and Whiteside have to get on the same page, but also young players like Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson need to help re-create the chemistry Wade and Whiteside shared.
With post technician Juwan Howard on the coaching staff and Alonzo Mourning available at the drop of a dime, Whiteside has some amazing resources available to him. Did I mention Hakeem Olajuwon has helped the likes of LeBron James develop a back-to-the-basket game, and has willingly worked with Dwight Howard in the past? It couldn’t hurt to give him a call.
Whiteside should be entering his physical prime very soon, and if you’re the Heat organization and coaching staff, you do not let that go to waste. This isn’t Miami’s first go-around with dominant big men. Shaquille O’Neal and Alonzo Mourning are South Beach legends. The Heat under Pat Riley understand how to build around a strong pivot.
Next: Defense