The Heat will surpass expectations in 2016
By Cory Sanning
Hassan Whiteside takes the next step
After inking a 4-year, $98 million contract this offseason, there is plenty of pressure on Whiteside to deliver, and the potential is undoubtedly there. Coming off a season in which the 26-year-old averaged 14.2 points and 11.8 rebounds, there’s definitely much room for improvement on both ends of the floor.
For starters, to excel at the center position offensively, one will need a consistent back-to-the-basket game. While Whiteside has shown plenty of flashes in that area, it is not a category he has particularly shined at in the past. A consistent jump hook or shimmy could be the very move he’s desperate for, and if added, could make No. 21 lethal on offense.
Remember when Shaquille O’Neal said that Whiteside should average 19 and 12 on a regular basis? This may just spur that, and that is potential bad news for the rest of the NBA.
What about on the defensive side of the ball?
Since January 2015, that’s what has earned Whiteside his living. He’s recorded four triple doubles since that point, all of them coming by way of points, rebounds and blocks.
All the superlatives aside, there’s still plenty of room for refinement on that end. Throughout several points during the regular season and even at times during the playoffs, Whiteside struggled with one-on-one defense, as well as switching onto perimeter players, particularly guards and small forwards.
No matter Whiteside’s faults, he’s made huge strides since re-entering the league a season and a half ago. Continuing that development will be key if the Heat are to make the playoffs.
Next: A Young Core