Hassan Whiteside
With Bosh departing, Whiteside is now the standout big man on the Heat’s roster. Coming off a breakout season and a subsequent $98 million contract, much of the teams success is going to rest on his shoulders. And despite his impressive showings since arriving in South Beach, Whiteside has played just 140 career games.
Therefore, Whiteside now has to prove to both the Heat and the rest of the league that he is worth the huge investment made in him this past summer. The Heat made him their priority, completing his signing before they had even started negotiations for Wade. It is imperative that Whiteside backs up their faith.
Granted it’s just a pre-season game, but Whiteside looked in mid-season form in the Heat’s first game against the Washington Wizards. He posted 20 points, 13 rebounds and 3 blocks in just 23 minutes on the floor. This included 16 points on 7-of-8 from the field in the first quarter. If this is any indication for this seasons offerings,
Attitude and discipline were the main reasons Whiteside bounced around the league and the world before settling in Miami. Therefore, having just signed a maximum contract, many people would be worried that Whiteside would revert to his old habits. But this game alone indicates a sense of purpose, and a real sense of trying to prove his standing.
If Whiteside can continue to improve at a similar rate as the last couple of seasons, his contract value won’t be a talking point. The discussion will instead center around his all-star selection and his ranking amongst the leagues dominant big-men.