What’s next?
Now a multi-millionaire, the young man is set financially, and it seems he’s found a place to settle down after purchasing a $7.3 million mansion on the beach just last week. The tools are all there, we just have to wait and see if and how much they will be used.
Much like they did during the Big Three era, the Heat coaching staff found a way to adapt and change their style to best fit the personal the team had assembled.
For Miami to maximize Whiteside’s potential, it’s key that Erik Spoelstra keep on him, force him to maximize his potential as an all-around defender and post-scorer. Both seem to be lost arts by bigs in today’s NBA, and Whiteside dominating near the rim could give the Heat a mismatch advantage to hang their hat on.
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Overall, if Spoelstra and staff stick to what they’ve been doing and poke his chest a little bit harder, there’s nothing that says Whiteside wouldn’t make a good first or second option on offense while leading a top defense.